As we gear up for the highly anticipated release of Stranger Things 5 this November, it’s the perfect time to reflect on Stranger Things 4, a season that masterfully blended horror, nostalgia, and emotional depth. Released in two volumes on Netflix—first on May 27, 2022, with seven episodes, and then on July 1, 2022, with two more—the fourth season of this beloved series has been a significant cornerstone in its universe. Created by the Duffer Brothers alongside a team of talented producers, including Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen, the season captivated audiences and garnered critical acclaim, earning 13 nominations at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards and winning five.
Set in March 1986, just eight months after the explosive events of the third season, Stranger Things 4 sees Hawkins once again under siege. The town is shaken by a series of mysterious teenage murders that leave the community in fear. The season introduces Eddie Munson, played by Jamie Campbell Bower, the charismatic leader of the Hellfire Club, Hawkins High School's Dungeons & Dragons group. Eddie quickly becomes embroiled in controversy when senior cheerleader Chrissy Cunningham is found murdered in his trailer, instantly making him the prime suspect. Aided by friends including Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair, and Max Mayfield, the gang launches an investigation to clear Eddie’s name. The true terror emerges as they confront a powerful entity from the Upside Down, a being they come to know as “Vecna,” inspired by a character from their favorite tabletop game.
In a parallel narrative, the emotional weight of Eleven’s journey unfolds as she grapples with the absence of her powers and longs to reconnect with her friends. Mike Wheeler, along with Will and Jonathan Byers, visits her in California, but danger looms as the U.S. Military relentlessly searches for Eleven. To regain her lost abilities, Eleven collaborates with Dr. Sam Owens and undergoes a harrowing return to the abandoned Nevada facility where she was previously subjected to inhumane testing. Flashbacks reveal her traumatic past at Hawkins National Laboratory, intricately woven into the central plot, showcasing the depth of personal struggle while navigating a world filled with supernatural horror. This storyline becomes a poignant exploration of resilience, as Eleven faces her creator, Dr. Martin Brenner, and uncovers shocking truths about her past and her connection to Vecna. Through a blend of heartfelt moments and spine-chilling sequences, viewers witness Eleven’s transformation as she embraces her identity as a powerful force meant to confront the darkness threatening her friends.
The third narrative arc shifts focus to Joyce Byers and Murray Bauman’s daring trip to Russia, where they learn that Jim Hopper is still alive, setting the stage for harrowing confrontations. Hopper, portrayed by David Harbour, endures nightmarish conditions in a Soviet prison camp, fighting for his life against a Demogorgon. This subplot escalates the stakes and adds another layer of intrigue to the already multifaceted storyline. As the season progresses, Joyce and Murray embark on a treacherous journey, ultimately leading to an explosive reunion with Hopper.
The culmination of these intertwined stories leads to a heart-wrenching climax in the final two episodes, as the gang confronts Vecna and his horrifying plans, unraveling the intricate connections between the realms. Themes of sacrifice, camaraderie, and the looming shadow of grief resonate deeply as characters face insurmountable odds, creating a narrative that is thoroughly engaging for both casual viewers and devoted fans alike.
Stranger Things 4 accomplishes the dual task of extending the saga while deepening the character arcs that audiences have come to love. Its dark, mature tone echoes the nostalgia of the 1980s while grappling with real emotional stakes. As we prepare for the next chapter, Season 4 leaves viewers eagerly anticipating what lies beyond the gates of Hawkins, for both its beloved characters and its devoted audience.
