Synopsis
Stranger Things is a 8-part Netflix original series set in Indiana 1983, where a young boy vanishes into thin air and a mysterious girl with strange powers suddenly appears at about the same time. Directed by The Duffer Brothers and starring Winona Ryder, David Harbour & Matthew Modine.

Strengths
A nostalgic exercise to evoke the wonderment and thrills of 80s scifi movies set in suburban America. An attention to detail that brings that era to life through the fashion, music and setting.  Story-wise, the narrative does not quite live up to its reference points and at times, it’s insistence in including nods to the movies of Steven Spielberg and writings of Stephen King can get very distracting. However, as a homage to those ‘kinder and gentler’ times, Stranger Things certainly works – although it might be hard going for young adults used to grittier material.

Highlights
The chemistry amongst the youngsters – Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) and the enigmatic Eleven (Millie Brown) – is charming, appealing and realistic. That mainly is the 80s trope that succeeds the most in Stranger Things.

For fans of
Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T., Firestarter, Carrie, Super 8.

Bottom Line
For fans of 80s kid movies, Stranger Things will be an enjoyable throwback whilst geeks of all ages should be able to have fun with the cool references.

Information
Now streaming at www.netflix.com