By Danielle Smith
Managing Editor
Netflix’s highly anticipated Season 2 of “Stranger Things” proves to be even more thrilling and complex than Season 1.
“Stranger Things 2” boasts a highly skilled cast that brings life to the complex and imaginative plot. The Netflix original plunges viewers into a distorted version of the 1980’s through a plethora of suspenseful scenes featuring impeccable audio and visual effects.
The science fiction-horror series takes place in Hawkins, Indiana where a group of four boys embarks on an adventure to save their hometown from ominous, supernatural forces. The plot picks up right where Season 1 left off, but Season 2 introduces new characters including a tomboy named Max (Sadie Sink) and her older step-brother Billy (Dacre Montgomery).
Season 2 of “Stranger Things” consists of nine episodes each approximately 50 minutes in length. The cast features the same main characters as Season 1 including Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Will Byers (Noah Schnapp), and Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder).
“Stranger Things 2” is extremely haunting with no shortage of suspenseful and emotional scenes. The plot of Season 2 achieves a balance superior to Season 1, as background information for characters is provided without detracting from the thrilling nature of the storyline.
The complex plot is propelled forward by actors who are completely immersed in their roles. Each and every character is exceptionally well developed and the emotions of such characters as Will who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder are extremely believable and compelling.
The premiere episode sets the scene for the entire spooky season as the characters prepare for upcoming Halloween festivities. The decision to begin the season during Halloween hints that destructive, frightening things are to come, evoking “Stranger Things’s” signature chilling quality that captivates viewers.
“Stranger Things” is known for its outstanding representation of life in the 1980’s, and Season 2 delivers exceptional costume and set design. Small details such as the vintage cars utilized by characters and the old-fashioned haircuts the main characters sport add to the believability of the show, completely immersing viewers in the time period.
In addition, the audio and visual effects featured in “Stranger Things 2” further add to the captivating storyline as strategically placed eerie silences are followed by explosive, computer-generated images. The effects highlight the skills of the actors, as characters interact with supernatural beings and explore an alternate reality.
The only disappointing aspect of “Stranger Things 2” is the overuse of profanity by the main characters. Although the boys are high school students, the dialogue in Season 2 includes significantly more curse words than Season 1, which at times seems unnecessary and adds little to the plot.
The highly intriguing plot of “Stranger Things 2” highlights a dynamic variety of haunting scenes. With a plethora of well-developed characters, the unsettling nature of the show becomes apparent through outstanding visual effects and a theatrical soundtrack.
Netflix released “Stranger Things 2” on Oct. 27 and it is now available for instant streaming on netflix.com.
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