Stranger Things 4 Review: Now Supersized and Way More Disturbing

The horror drama of Netflix is now bigger, better and more gruesome than ever

Stranger Things 4, Vol. 1 Review: Supersized and Way More Disturbing
Stranger Things 4, Volume 1 is now on Netflix. Image credit: Netflix

Friends grow up and grow apart without any reason. That’s what’s happening in Stranger Things 4, volume 1. Everyone is scattered after the events of the season 3 finale. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) is in California facing bullies at school (after losing her powers), while Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) is getting high with his new friend Argyle (Eduardo Franco). Joyce (Winona Ryder) works in telesales, and Will is painting (Noah Schnapp’s soulful performance is worth noticing).



 

The rest of the gang is still in Hawkins. Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and Mike (Finn Wolfhard) are now part of a new D&D group, the Hellfire Club. Interestingly, the club is led by drug-dealing anarchist Eddie (played by Joseph Quinn). It seems like Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) is drifting away after joining the basketball team in Stranger Things 4.

 

Max (Sadie Sink) is still grieving her brother Billy (Dacre Montgomery), Nancy (Natalia Dyer) is now the editor of the school newspaper, and Steve (Joe Keery) and Robin (Maya Hawke) are still navigating dating drama while working at the local video store in Stranger Things 4, volume 1.

 

The biggest relief for some fans is that Hopper (David Harbour) is alive and well in this season, but he is in snowy Russia as a Soviet prisoner. It is quite evident that the characters have grown apart, not just geographically but also emotionally. All that makes Stranger Things 4 the most grown-up season yet.

 

As expected, the show has a new villain- Vecna (played by as of yet unknown actor). He has sinewy, with huge claws and the power to use a person’s worst nightmares as a weapon. Thanks to him, the horror elements of the show have gone up, and has more darkness than one might have thought.

Stranger Things 4 Review: Now Supersized and Way More Disturbing
Stranger Things 4, Volume 1. Credit: Netflix

The story of Stranger Things 4, volume 1, revolves around finding the person behind a string of exceptionally violent and disturbing deaths. The show also touches on many relevant and talked-about issues like suicide, depression, alcoholism, and bulimia. Chapter Four is the most brilliant episode of the science fiction horror drama television series. It shows a narrow escape from the void, which is very gut-punching.

Though Stranger Things 4, volume 1 has many mature scenes and difficult moments, its witty and nostalgic sheen is as good as people remember and love. The shift in location is also a nice touch as it allows viewers to enjoy the view.

 

One of the challenges faced by the makers of Stranger Things was to keep up with the growing number of actors in the show. Now, there are about 20 key characters, and all of them need ample screen time to justify their characters. It might lead to storyline overload if the makers are not careful. Even in the recently released episodes, much focus is on Mike, Max, and Eleven’s characters, while the others have little time for character development.

 

A disappointment of Stranger Things 4 is Hopper’s thread. It feels separate, unnecessary, and hardly in touch with the show’s lore. The makers need to use Harbour’s skills and abilities better. The fun factor is still there, and though viewers might always be sure where the show is headed and why, most actors have done well with their performances. Things also seem more rushed than before, and viewers will have to keep up with the changing pace.

 

Despite small disappointments, the new season of Stranger Things is worth every minute you spend watching it. The compelling comfort and charisma that made it a hit with the fans are still there. Viewers will once again fall in love with clean, colourful cinematography, pockets of pure chemistry, and sprawling mysteries that make Hawkins such a fun place to hang out. All in all, Stranger Things 4, volume 1 offers a good dose of entertainment while keeping Duffer Brothers’ plans for season 5 under wraps.



Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 1 



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