Netflix's Stranger Things goes Resident Evil and turns the horror up to Eleven

EntertainmentStreamingNetflix’s Stranger Things goes Resident Evil and turns the horror up to ElevenWe’ve seen the first few episodes of Stranger Things 4… and have some thoughtsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

We’ve seen the first few episodes of Stranger Things 4… and have some thoughts

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Netflix)

Max raised in the air and Vecna in Stranger Things 4

(Image credit: Netflix)

Note: The following is a spoiler-free opinion/review of the first four episodes of Stranger Things 4

In this expanded role, Sink grabs it with two hands as Max deals first-hand with some of the horrors of the Upside Down, giving a fine performance that will likely tear the fanbase apart over who is the new favourite female of the ensemble. One sequence, that I won’t spoil, during the climax of episode four, had my heart in my mouth the whole time. Eleven is still the catalyst to all of this, however, the heart of Stranger Things 4 certainly belongs to Sadie Sink’s Max.

(Image credit: Netflix)

Sadie Sink as Max in Stranger Things

(Image credit: Netflix)

Speaking of the Upside Down, it’s got a new ghoulish, undead face in the form of Vecna. This slithering lich is the new big, bad villain, lurking in the background and tormenting the citizens of Hawkins. It’s a smart inclusion after the CGI-heavy Mind Flayer of season three. Not to say there isn’t a ton of VFX but something that resembles human form is much easier to root for, or against in this case. Reminding me heavily of Nemesis from Resident Evil, Vecna is without a doubt the best ‘monster’ in Stranger Things, helping to create nightmarish encounters in every scene utilised.

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(Image credit: Netflix)

Vecna in Stranger Things 4

(Image credit: Netflix)

I wouldn’t go as far as to say the reported$30 million dollars per episodebudget is well spent but the show’s production values are sky-high – more cinematic, more set pieces and more locations. If you’ve seen the trailer, you’ll be well aware that Hopper returns. Now captured in a Russian prison, it’s up to Joyce and Murray to free the former Hawkins chief of police, taking Stranger Things to the international stage. It’s early days for this part of the story and feels as if the best is still to come for the trio.

A quick word on the newcomers: Joseph Quinn and Eduardo Franco who plays Eddie Munson and Argyle, respectively. With such a stacked cast, it’s hard for these two to not get lost among the already established crowd. Instead, we get two very immediate likeable additions. As Jonathan’s new friend in California, Argyle and him produce some of the biggest laughs settling into the stoner personas that fit with the era and setting very well.

(Image credit: Netflix)

Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers and Brett Gelman as Murray Bauman in STRANGER THINGS

(Image credit: Netflix)

The same can’t be said for one-note Peter Ballard (Jamie Campbell Bower), however, who comes across as the stereotypical jock and nothing more. It also sees Lucas get caught up in what feels like an unnecessary storyline to add some tension. Hopefully, my mind will change come the final credits.

Oh, and of course, Steve “best hair in the biz” Harrington and Dustin’s relationship continues to get the time it deserves. Boasting some of the strongest chemistry over the last two seasons, Nancy and Robin now look to replicate that same winning formula as another unexpected team-up. In fact, it’s when the foursome briefly bounces off one another that makes Stranger Things as good as it ever has been.

That’s why I can’t wait for the inevitable coming together of the narrative, as opposed to the many, many different dynamics working in the early episodes. If pulled off well, this could easily be Stranger Thing’s best series to date.

(Image credit: Netflix)

Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley, Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield, Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler, and Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair in STRANGER THINGS

(Image credit: Netflix)

The first seven episodes will drop onNetflixon May 27th, 2022 with the remaining two episodes set to premiere on July 1st, 2022.

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