Stranger Things comes back with darker, horror heavy season 4

By Tom Soares

Streaming giant Netflix just released the first seven episodes of the brand-new season of its sci-fi, nostalgia laced global hit series, Stranger Things - and it’s certain to say fans are not ready for what lies ahead. 

Back from a very long three-years hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Stranger Things season 4 volume one, arrived on the platform late May, defying everyone’s wildest expectation, and flaunting an unprecedented, reported budget of $30 million dollars per episode.

Created by Matt and Ross Duffer, and starring Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder, and David Harbour, Stranger Things follows a group of teenage friends who join forces with a superpowered girl known as Eleven (Brown), as they fight to protect their town and loved ones from supernatural creatures. 

Now in its fourth season, Stranger Things deepens its mythology, and heightens every stake by leaning even more into the horror genre, and introducing the show’s biggest threat yet: Vecna, a dangerous demon who feeds on fears and nightmares.

To say that the past three years have been of much anxiety for the return of Stranger Things would be a massive understatement. Fans everywhere have been counting the days to figure out what would happen to their most favorite characters, following the deadly events of season 3 finale. Gladly, the wait paid off with interest.

Stranger Things season 4 is gigantic in scale, and much longer, than the previous seasons. The duration of every single one of its episodes goes over an hour, with the upcoming season finale confirmed to be at least two-and-a-half hours long. 

Season 4 is also the scariest, darkest season since its original one, being influenced by and bringing many elements from some of the most successful horror movies released mid-80’s and beginning of the 90’s, such as A Nightmare on Elm Street and Silence of the Lambs.

Under the direction of The Duffer Brothers, the Stranger Things season 4 creative team exceeded every expectation when it came to writing, delivering a satisfyingly good story that answers very poignant questions, references some of the show's iconic moments and moves the narrative forward in surprising ways.

For much of the season, Millie Bobby Brown still is the big MVP of the series, but the writing also opens space for others to shine. Sadie Sink gives a fantastic performance as Max Mayfield, who never fully recovered from the death of her step-brother Billy (Dacre Montgomery), and is emotionally detached from her reality. 

Additionally, Brett Gelman once again proves his character, the kind-hearted conspiracy theorist, Murray Bauman, was one of the best additions to the show since its first season. His chemistry with Winona Ryder’s Joyce Byers, is phenomenal, and so is their comedic timing. Their dynamic and storyline comes as an absolute breath of fresh air in this heavy and thick season.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic delayed Stranger Things season 4, and threatened the show’s relevance in the already packed world of streaming television, the series makes a spectacular comeback. Stranger Things season 4 is the best season of the show since its original season, and the one that fans will mostly never forget.

Stranger Things season 4 volume one is now available on Netflix. Volume two is set to debut on July 1.