Embedded Files
The martian: the same captivating story on page or screen
By Julia Busemeyer
Just five years after being self published in 2011, Andy Weir’s debut novel, “The Martian” was adapted into what became one of the biggest sci-fi blockbusters of our time. But how accurate is the movie to the book? Will avid Weir fans be disappointed by the film adaption of their favorite story?
The Martian is about astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon), who was presumed dead by his crew after a severe dust storm on Mars. Both the book and the film follow Watney as he makes a desperate effort to survive on the barren planet with limited supplies and no contact with his mission crew or NASA. When not focused on Watney, we follow a crew at NASA, including Vincent Kapoor (Chitwetel Ejiofor), Mars Mission director, Mitch Henderson (Sean Bean), Hermes flight director, and Mindy Park (Mackenzie Davis), satellite communications engineer, and their efforts to bring Watney home after discovering he is alive.
Matt Damon portrays a cheeky, resilient, and resourceful Mark Watney. He shows a wide range of emotion as his character traverses an even wider range of challenges and hardships. Damon leaves no door unopened, making viewers laugh, cry, and shake with anticipation. Weir says in an interview with NPR that Damon’s portrayal of Watney is exactly what he imagined the character as.
The crew at NASA just as easily tickles the audience's funny bone with their quick fire arguments and snarky remarks which come straight from the book to the screen. On the other end of the spectrum, the Ares III crew never fails to tug on your heartstrings as they explore motifs like grief, guilt, and even romance.
Every actor in “The Martian” truly steps into their character, and brings them to life with ridiculous accuracy to the way Weir wrote them. In both the novel and the movie, though, it isn’t only the characters that draw in the audience.
Weir wrote the novel with extreme detail, painting a clear image of Mars’ vast horizons, and Watney’s fight with rovers, solar panels, and potatoes. Any reader of “The Martian” will be ecstatic to see those landscapes and pictures come to life. Director Ridley Scott perfectly encapsulates Weir’s words, using gentle, undistracting music to compliment the warmth and comfort that radiate from many moments of the film, including iconic songs like “Starman,” by David Bowie, and “Waterloo,”
by ABBA. That is to say, there are several scenes where viewers will find themselves on the edge of their seats, once again playing to the wide range of emotions throughout the story.
While the movie does an excellent job of staying true to the original novel with characters, plot, and even tone, there are some key differences. Some scenes in the book don’t make it into the movie, which is momentarily disappointing, but added scenes in the movie that aren’t in the book make up for it. These added scenes aren’t necessary for the nature of the book, but highly compliment the nature of the film, and add excitement and climax to otherwise straightforward scenes. So, even while they’re slightly different, the movie and book both include the perfect amount of action for the nature of their medium.
Fans of “The Martian” will not be disappointed with the book or the movie, despite which they experienced first. They will be happy to see or read their favorite scenes or funny lines presented with the same captivating energy, and their favorite characters written or played with impressive continuity. Whether reading the book or watching the movie, anyone who gets the privilege of consuming the crazy story of Mark Watney will certainly be left with a feeling of fulfillment and triumph.
Eat Your Young: Hozier releases new music
By Elle Crociata
Hozier, an incredibly popular music artist, best known for his album ‘Take Me To Church,” has released new music for the first time since 2019. Along with his announcement of his next tour, Hozier dropped an EP of three new songs that are a part of an ongoing album Unreal Uneath set to release later this year. These songs, along with the rest of the unreleased album, are themed around Dante's “Inferno,” touching on subjects such as temptation, lust, and other vices of human nature.
The first song in the EP, “Eat Your Young” is easily the most popular song from his new release and my personal favorite. While the title of the song concerned me at first, seeing as it might be a bit overly macabre and depressing. However, my fears were eased once I had listened to the song. Despite its rather gruesome name, the song itself had an almost playful feel about it. The upbeat tune of the song countered the grim lyrics, making an interesting contrast between them, and adding a haunting aspect when listening. The melodies, bass and lyrics mixed together sent goosebumps up my arms and stuck in my head. It certainly goes along with Hozier's distinctive style, highlighting the most sharp lyrics and making a mark on the listener.
“All Things End” is the second song, taking the listener on a journey of a failing relationship and reminding us that even if things seem like they go on forever, everything comes to an end. After my first listen to the song, I wasn't thrilled by it; however after listening to it a second time, my opinion changed. Unlike “Eat Your Young,” this song is less similar to the vibe that Hozier is known for, and definitely different from what I came to expect from him. However, it was still enjoyable to listen to in its own way. Slower than “Eat Your Young,” it was more sorrowful and retrospective. It certainly delivered a distinct message of heartache and sadness, but also one of positivity and hope that was less expected. While this song was enjoyable, it was my least favorite of the three.
Finally, “Through Me” touches more on loss and grief than the other two songs, and it is hauntingly beautiful. The song's use of distorted instrumentals and echoing lyrics creates waves of emotion while listening. It has an intense and almost overwhelming effect, and instills a sense of anger with sharp vocals. I was in awe of how Hozier managed to replicate the complicated feeling of loss and grief in this song. Like a puppet master, he was able to pull stings and make me feel sad, angry, vengeful, and more. While “All Things End” pushed a hopeful ending, this song did no such thing. It told of the sorrow that everyone will experience living on this earth and didn't sugar coat anything. “Through Me” was an intense and eerie experience, and will stick in my brain for weeks to come.
Dr. Pepper
Dr. Pepper
By Miranda Carl
It is no secret that Americans love to drink soda, some of the top three being Dr. Pepper, Coca Cola, and Fanta. Although all these drinks are similar, there is one that stands out above the rest making it the best soda to drink on a hot summer's day.
Dr. Pepper is a drink mixed to taste like heaven, in my personal opinion. This drink creates an amazingly sweet, bubbly and refreshing taste in your mouth with just one sip. What makes Dr. Pepper so much better than all the rest of your classic sodas is its choice of over twenty three different flavors. Yes, you are reading that right- Dr. Pepper has twenty three different flavors and continues to expand their brand with more. Now with anything that comes with such a large amount of flavors, of course there are going to be rankings or preferred flavors above the others. I am going to talk to you about the top five and why you need to rush to get these drinks.
#1 Cherry Dr. Pepper:
This flavor is not only my favorite one, but has been proven to be the brand’s most preferred flavor of them all, because it’s the most bought. When creating this drink, the creators wanted a drink that would separate their soda from all the other sodas, and they did just that. This flavor is packed with cherry flavoring, hints of licorice, caramel and a small amount of vanilla to create their number one flavor. This can be drunk with almost everything: chocolate, fruit, pasta, you name it. What makes this drink so special is that you can have it with anything and it will still feel refreshing.
#2 Diet Dr. Pepper:
You’ll see this drink in a white plastic wrap, making it hard to miss. Just the look of those drinks makes it 100x better. When you first see this drink, you’ll likely hear church bells and the room will suddenly become much lighter. Enough with the classic and clean look, The Dr. Pepper team did so well on this flavor that it actually tastes better than the original and many other flavors they have. If you're looking for a less sweet taste of Dr. Pepper on your tongue, this is your drink. It leaves a different taste, separating it from the original, but still meets all the requirements of the drink, if not more. The Dr. Pepper marketing team really outdid themselves with this one.
#3 The Original Dr. Pepper:
You had to see this one coming. This drink is so good that it doesn’t even need extra flavors to make it perfect; but for Dr. Pepper, they like to be better than perfect. Not only does this original flavor make you feel great and refreshed, but it also doesn’t leave the full belly feeling that other sodas do. You know the gross feeling of being fullbecause your stomach won’t stop bubbling and you're so full of its sweet taste, you think you could barf? Well, fear not because Dr. Pepper doesn’t do this to you. They make the original Dr. Pepper with 23 different flavors, making it hard to pick out just what makes it so amazing. This drink stands out above all other sodas and deserves a standing ovation.
#4 Strawberry & Cream Soda:
Not that the Dr Pepper really could do better than the cream soda, but to make it better they combined their strawberry flavors and cream soda flavors to make the holy grail of combined drinks. Take one amazing drink and put it with another amazing drink and what do you get? Perfection, or pretty close to it. Of course all their mixed drinks are irresistible, including the cherry cream soda, which is just like the strawberry one, onlycherry. Dr. Pepper's strawberry cream soda is actually their newest flavor just released. You're lucky if you can get your hands on it because everyone and their mamas want to try it. Of course, being the Dr. Pepper fan I am, I drove around to multiple gas stations looking for this drink, and when I tried it, it was all worth it. If you're a fan of strawberries and old fashioned cream soda, I suggest you get yourself off the couch and find this drink.
#5 Cream Soda Flavor:
Not that any Dr. Pepper drink deserves to be in any spot after fifth. If I could, I would put all 23 at the top, but then where would we be with this? Anyways, cream soda takes a whole new meaning to its flavor. Imagine a basic cream soda from the 1990s but make it ten times greater. It’s a drink packed with flavorful taste, and will leave you more satisfied than ever.
Truly there is no one word that could describe Dr Pepper. The marketing team and their beverage have made a difference in my life and continue to make differences in other’s lives as well. I have not personally met one person who was dissatisfied with their Dr. Pepper drink, and can you say the same about other drinks?
What about Movies? 'What About Bob?' is the perfect comedy film
What about Movies? 'What About Bob?' is the perfect comedy film
By Ella Gannon
When it comes to movies, sometimes oldies are the way to go. This is true for the 1991 comedy film "What About Bob?" which is a great movie for people looking for laughs and a good time.
Bob Wiley is a struggling, lovable guy, who is dealing with major OCD, germaphobia, high anxiety and many other troubles. He is trying his hardest to seek psychiatric help and is referred to Dr. Leo Marvin, a rather serious well-off psychiatrist. After Marvin finds out what he's getting himself into, he tells Bob that he will be on vacation in Lake Winnipesaukee with his family in New Hampshire for a whole month.
Once they depart, Dr. Marvin prepares to leave for vacation and Bob does anything to get a hold of him while he's away. After multiple phone calls, his desperation for Dr. Marvin leads to Bob taking a bus to New Hampshire and crashing Dr. Marvin’s vacation with his family. The family grows accustomed to Bob and they start to form their own relationships with him and love him for who he is, which causes Dr. Leo to go nuts, knowing a patient is basically living with him. The movie follows Bob's journey and the funny and quirky ways he inserts himself into Dr. Marvin’s personal life, and how the psychiatrist handles the interruption. The way this is executed makes the movie as funny and silly as it is.
Bill Murray, the actor cast as Bob Wiley, does a phenomenal job portraying the sweet but annoyingly humorous character. Bob's character can be annoying at times, but in a very innocent way. In other words, he doesn't really know he is being irritating. His goofy demeanor really sets up the whole movie and makes the viewer understand his softer side.
An example of this is the dinner scene, when Dr. Marvin's family wants Bob to stay for dinner. As Bob eats his corn on the cob, He enjoys it a little too much and continues to make satisfied "Mmmm" noises throughout the whole meal. The rest of the family is just accepting it and giggling, but Dr. Marvin has an outburst and finds it incredibly irritating. Bob didn't mean to upset Dr. Leo, he was just being himself. Other actors may have seen the character and portrayed it differently in a more black and white way, but Bill Murray acted in a way that the audience could tell Bob didn't mean any harm or upset.
Richard Dreyfuss, however, is a much more reserved and more serious actor. Dr Marvin has a much more serious personality than Bob Wiley. He cares very deeply about his work and how other people see him, so he finds Bob Wiley's interference very irritating. His outbursts in response to Bob Wiley's annoying actions also set up his character. He doesn't want anything to mess with his plans or his career, including his patients.
When Dr. Leo was scheduled to be on Good Morning America to showcase his book and his knowledge, Bob Wiley ends up sitting right next to him and doing the whole interview right beside Dr Marvin. Bob Wiley unknowingly steals the spotlight and messes up Dr. Leo Marvin's segment. After the GMA staff leaves, Dr. Marvin screams at Bob, tells him to leave, and slams the door in pure frustration for what Bob has done to his vacation and now his career. Without Dreyfuss, this scene (and the movie) could have gone a different way. His outbursts are part of what makes the movie so funny. Although the characters are polar opposites, they are a perfect duo for the movies dynamic.
In addition to great acting and amazing actors being chosen behind the character, the humor in “What About Bob?” is exceptional and unique to any other movie. The movie follows a man with a lot of mental problems, but the movie is very silly and light-hearted, while also showing a troubled patient. There are lots of jokes made and it isn't all serious. There are so many memorable scenes and so many jokes made throughout the movie. This also sets up for a very good message; it pokes fun at mental illness, but not in a harmful way. It can make some people, including me, laugh at themselves and know that not everything has to be so serious and everyone struggles in some way.
Mrs. Stiland, a teacher at NWR7 agrees with this statement and thinks more movies should be made in this way: "We have movies about people who have problems and issues and anxiety… but this movie was unique in the humor that it brought to it," she says. "It can be a serious issue, but it is full of humor and full of understanding people more…being able to laugh with other people."
When it comes to choosing a movie," What About Bob?" is a great choice for an exceptionally goofy comedy film and I recommend it to anyone looking for a good time and comedy fans. This is a five star film and it is a feel good movie from beginning to end.
Why you need to watch “the end of the f***ing world”
By Lily Dwan
A cinematic masterpiece to say the least. Award winning, “The End of the F***ing World” is one of the best shows I have ever watched, and it could be yours, too.
Starring Jessica Barden (Alyssa) and Alex Lawther (James), the two season show kept me invested throughout the whole time. The two loner, oddball high schoolers meet each other, and instantly have a connection. Deciding they do not like the life they were living, they steal James’ dad’s car and run away. Together, they experience a lot of difficulties and make some trouble making decisions.
The dialogue throughout this show is unique in that the characters constantly have an internal and external voice, letting us know what they’re actually thinking, versus what they say. This type of dialogue adds so much depth to the storyline. For example, well into the show, Alyssa and James have a bit of a falling out. Once they reunite, they go out to a diner for some lunch. James then apologizes for the harsh letter he had sent her, but she responds with “What letter?” While she says this, her inner dialogue begins to recite the whole letter. That kind of insight makes the viewer have a much better understanding of the storyline and more. It almost makes you be able to picture outside what the show is demonstrating. Additionally, Alyssa’s character presents herself as uncaring and unbothered. Often, using words like “ok” and “whatever,” usually having a straight face to everything. On the other hand, her inner thoughts give us a different perspective of her, showing us that she is full of emotions, thoughts, and cares a lot about everything, but she likes to pretend she is tough.
James also has an inner dialogue, but the personalities between the two are prominent. It’s almost like James wants to act unbothered, but when he responds with things like “ok” and “whatever,” it is in more of an anxious tone, and his inner dialogue lets us know. In the beginning, James says, “I just let people do things to me. I'm not sure why.” It is just so interesting because the two try to act like they do not care about anything, but their thoughts say otherwise.
James and Alyssa are the only ones that show us their thoughts, I noticed. This made me feel like I was there with them, on their adventure. I think it is really interesting and unique that the writers of this show chose to allow us to hear what they are thinking at all times. While there were other characters that were present for a part of the show, we never got to hear what they were thinking. I really just felt like I was able to understand the show and Alyssa and James so much better being able to hear their thoughts.
The cinematography of this show was also immaculate. The story has an eerie, weird vibe to it, and the different settings and lighting made the tone so much more powerful. For example, when Alyssa is being stalked, it’s dark and scary. But, when they feel that they are free from trouble with the cops at her dad’s house, the lighting is bright, and they were on a beach– that is until it went downhill, and the setting was cloudy and darker. Throughout most of the show, the setting was in the dark green woods. This was especially true when James and Alyssa were on the run, just the two of them. I think that the woods setting adds to the fact that they were alone and felt like it was just them against the world. But, the fact that they were still doing something wrong kept the negative tone, which meant that the forest was usually darker and eerie. Additionally, the lighting of this show had a lot of cool tones, usually dark green or dark blue, which was a perfect match for its nature.
This show was chock full of surprises and plot twists. At no point in this show could I guess what was going to happen to them. The suspense kept me so entertained and made me want to binge watch it. This is especially important to remember in the second season. In the beginning of season two, it starts out really confusing. At first, it seems as if the transition between seasons is horrible, but trust me, if you keep watching everything all comes together and makes perfect sense. It starts with the introduction of a completely new and seemingly random character. I will admit, at first I was thinking Who is this? Why does she matter? But as I kept watching, it just made so much sense. I think the random start to it was actually perfect once it all connects! You just have to have faith in the show and keep watching, because trust me, you will want to see how it ends!
Another thing that I loved was the imperfections of the characters. I do not like when shows have all characters that are just too perfect and unrealistic. But, in this show, they are all typical looking people! They all have their differences and quirks, which in my opinion, makes the show so much better to watch.
If I had to rate this show out of ten, it would just break the scale. I am very picky about shows, but I have to say, this is one of my favorite shows I have ever watched. Everything about it scratched my brain in a good way, and was just so unique and interesting.”End of the F**king World” is available to stream on many platforms, such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
Appetite for destruction revolutionized music
By Keira Mann
“Appetite for Destruction” by Guns N Roses is one of the greatest records to ever be released. Released in 1987, “Appetite” revolutionized music, and subsequently killed the glam metal scene.
The first track, “Welcome to the Jungle,” brings exactly what Guns N Roses are known for: complex riffs, steady rhythm, and piercing vocals. No artist had been so blatant in the 80s until GNR came along. Bands such as Motley Crue and Cinderella were too busy buying hair spray to focus on the music. Guns N Roses did not care about their appearance- this is because the music stems from punk rock. Bassist Duff Mckagan played with iconic Seattle punk band The Fastbacks and has even gone on record jamming with Soundgarden in their early days. The biggest influence of rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, was the founder of punk rock, Johnny Thunders. While glam metal was influenced by theatrical boy bands such as “Wings” and “KISS” GNR was influenced by punk rock.
By the third track, “Nightrain,” we can hear how lead guitarist Slash and Mckagan's instruments work together. Then we hear the vocals Guns N Roses is associated with. The octave change of singer Axl Rose is the best vocal range a male singer has ever accomplished in rock music. To put it into perspective, Freddie Mercury has a range of 4 octaves, while Axl Rose has a range of double that, 8 octaves.
Although “Appetite” is nothing near a concept album, it does have thematic elements focusing on straight-forward truth. They particularly were focused on not making the album glamorous. As Axl Rose said, replying to a reporter when asked if Guns N Roses were anything like Heavy Metal band Iron Maiden, Rose said, “I sure hope not.” The relevance of this is that they did not want to use any pyrotechnics or anything that could possibly take away from the music. Iron Maiden was known for their costumes, stage props, etc.
It must be noted, despite its punk origins, “Appetite for Destruction” is not a punk rock album. “Appetite for Destruction” is not a metal album. “Appetite for Destruction” is a Guns N Roses album. There is a reason, no one decides on GNRs genre, because they don’t fit into any. “Appetite” proves that Guns N Roses is truly their own act.
Grunge has been falsely classified as killing glam metal. This honor must be given to GNRs “Appetite for Destruction.” Guns N Roses killed glam. They proved a blatant rock ‘n roll group could be mainstream. Instead of trying to avoid the inevitable fame, Guns N Roses accepted it. “Appetite for Destruction” came out before any grunge band had released an album. Grunge was hypocritical, how can you call yourself a subgenre of punk rock, but play on MTV? Giving into corporations directly breaks punk ideology. GNR showed the world what rock music must be to survive. Rock would not have “died” if bands like GNR stayed mainstream. Grunge couldn't survive, because it was never supposed to be popular in the first place. “Appetite” showed us, you can be truthful and mainstream. It's not about fashion, girls and politics. Rock ‘n Roll is about music.
“Appetite for Destruction” changed the music industry, and gave artists the freedom of creativity while still being able to hold mainstream fame.
The best Disney movie
By Julianna Albanese
Did you know there are 61 Disney movies? Well, there are, and the movie “Luca” is one of the best Disney movies out there right now. The movie “Luca” was released to the public on August 3, 2021 and takes place on the Italian Riviera. The main character, Luca experiences a summer of endless fun with his new friends and new experiences that change his life forever.
There are some hidden life lessons, as well. Some of those lessons are taking chances in life and facing some challenges to complete a goal in your life with your friends by your side. The movie “Luca” is the first movie to ever take place in Italy. Disney has made, and this movie really focuses on the life that people in Italy live like. Disney also focus on capturing the moments in life that matter when wanting to complete a goal that you need to work for especially when you’re younger I only that show some awareness on bullying and how bullying can hurt others but the best that you can do is stand up for yourself and continue what you do with the best part in the movie lasted out the most was how Luca Alberto and their friend knew that the older kid was lying about his age for the race, but continue to practice and try their hardest, even know it wasn’t fair. At the end of the movie Disney really put it out there that it is OK to let loved ones go when they want to try new things and not try to hold them back from what they want to do in life and to let friends MoveOn instead of holding them back from opportunities and more friends they have in life.
In conclusion, I think the movie Luca from Disney is one of the best movies that anybody could watch cause it talks about a life that people in the USA don’t particularly know about and gives him a chance to kind of understand about it and to give a little lesson on why bullying is bad and how we should give people chances instead of putting them down and not allowing them to do what they really need to do in life to succeed no matter if anybody around you is doing something wrong always continue to do you and don’t let any of it bother you, because if you do that, you will not succeed.
Is love sick the album of the year?
By Aiden Avenia
If you like music, then this is the new hot album that's out right now. Don Toliver is an American Hip Hop artist who just dropped a new album “Love Sick” which is about Toliver's hardships with love, and he expresses this with the tone and melody of the different songs he sings. These are the three best songs off the album.
I will be starting with my favorite song from the album, “Private Landing,” which features famous artists like Justin Beiber and Future. The beginning of the song starts off with Don Toliver’s vocals which really show just how great of a singer he really is. The song then gets taken by Future, a rap artist who is known for his calm melody and being a great lyricist. Future does a great job contributing to the song by showing off his talents. The song then takes a drastic turn, where Justin Bieber shows off his vocals and even starts rapping, which really caught me off guard. But it sort of adds a kick to the song that I like a lot.
The next song on the list, and my second favorite song from the album is called “Time Heals All.” This is where Toliver sounds very confident in his vocal range and even does this throughout the song. His use of his high and low pitched voices really highlight his verses and give a warm and sought out feeling towards the song. The best part in the song to me is where he slows down the music and you can just hear him. His voice is just very soothing and relaxing to me. He then builds up from there and finishes the song with an echoing feeling in mind that stays with the listener.
Lastly, another one of my favorites is “Slow Motion,, a fast tempoed and pleasant track featuring Wizkid. Toliver's verse and the instrumental that backs him up really strengthen the song and give it an unforgettable feeling. Going back to the instrumental part of the song, it really gives it a smooth and ear-catching vibe towards it. When Wizkid comes in, I feel like I'm inside of an 80s club. He sounds very passionate and confident in his vocals and he shows this throughout his verse.
In the end, Don Toliver's album, Love Sick really gives the audience an understanding of where he's coming from and what he's trying to say about love and about his past and future relationships that he's had. I felt that this album was criticized too much to a point where people couldn't see what Toliver was trying to say in his lyrics. People really hated it for being slow and non energetic, but I like the new vibe that Toliver provides in the album.
Strangest thing is the way it changed me
By Emma Spencer
Everyone always hypes up the four season psychological horror show “Stranger Things,” but is it all bark from these fans with little bite from creators, the Duffer Brothers?
I think this hype to be astronomically true. “Stranger Things” is life changing through its emotional rollercoasters and relatable characters. Every character has a special quirk about them, and that is made possible through the spectacular acting in which each person pays close attention to detail.
This is especially evident in the show-stopping fourth and penultimate season of the series. The season follows Max Mayfield, finally a main character rather than a side, on her depressed journey after her older brother Billy’s tragic death by the Mind Flayer in season 3. Seasons 3 and 4 are arguably my favorites, but I’m here to highlight the most recent one because of the many events and different approaches in comparison to the other seasons.
In all seasons, there are psychological and fiction-based monsters that attack this friend group that cannot seem to catch a break. The main character in the first three seasons is clearly Eleven/Jane, the child with telekinesis and other mind powers. She is the focus of it all, being the main target for all of these monsters. What we find out in season 4 though, is that Vecna is the ultimate power behind all of these creatures, and he is after Max as she is vulnerable at this time.
I think there is something special about this season, not only because the focus is pointed away from Eleven and onto Max, but also because everyone in the show is separated and there are many subplots that finally conjoin by the end. When I first heard about this major switch in early spoilers before the season came out, I was unsure that it would hit the same way the other seasons did if the entire group of characters were split up, but it more than blew away my expectations.
The music, for one, makes the entire cinematic experience nothing short of emotional. “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush, along with other constant 80s classics, really make you feel something extraordinary. The entire scene where Vecna first grabs a hold of Max, she is lifted up about to be taken a hold of, when her friends realize the cure. All she needs is the song that's been keeping her sane since her brother's death; Bush’s deep and emotional song. The writers really did a number with this one, because if you just listen to the lyrics, it describes Max’s situation to a T. “I’d make a deal with God, and I’d get him to swap our places,” Bush sings.
Although this is a tragic song, it really explains Max’s almost suicidal feelings because she feels the blame and guilt for Billy’s death. Through just music, the Duffer Brothers paint the whole picture for us.
But the tunes are just the cherry on top for this outstanding season. As I said before, the acting is truly out of this world. Max really steps into that depressed state, while Eleven is again put into the testing lab with her former captor, Dr. Brenner. This all happens in California while Mike, Will, and their new friend Argyle search for her and Max, Dustin, and Lucas are facing Vecna.
The most heartbreaking separation, in my opinion, is Jim Hopper and Joyce Byers. The two recently accepted lovers are separated by Russians who captured Hopper after the explosion of the portal in season 3, where we all were left thinking he died. Although this was a tragic roller coaster to begin with, we now see Hopper completely changed in Russian prison. His acting is exceptional, especially when reminiscing about what means most, his deceased daughter, Joyce, and his current daughter Eleven. The whole escape from this prison is a cinematic triumph, all just to end up in a pickle with his friend Enzo and an extreme delay of gratification in the final meeting with him and Joyce.
As anyone can see, this season is much more intense and complex than the others, and it’s not getting the hype it really deserves. I cannot wait to see what the Duffer Brothers have in store for us in the final season, but I also am begging this series, in which I am so connected, to never come to an end.
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