After a three-year wait, the first volume of Stranger Things season 5 has arrived, and the verdict is clear: it was worth the anticipation. The season picks up 18 months after the events of season 4, with Hawkins under military quarantine and Vecna missing for months. The gang of four are reunited, but things are different.
Noah Schnapp's Will Byers takes a more prominent role, experiencing strange symptoms but now understanding his connection to the Upside Down. The Duffer Brothers finally tackle Will's sexuality, giving the underdog a chance to shine. Meanwhile, Millie Bobby Brown's Eleven is pushing her powers to the limit, causing tension with adoptive father Jim Hopper (David Harbour).
Vecna has not been idle; his masterplan is nearing completion. However, the action takes time to build, with episode 1 clocking in at 74 minutes and progressing the plot only fractionally. But when the action arrives, particularly in the 84-minute episode 4, it is gripping, with a jaw-dropping final scene that will leave fans desperate for the finale.
Beyond the spectacle, the show excels at character development, exploring complex dynamics between parents and children, couples, and friends. The ensemble is handled with care, delivering fresh interactions while honouring long-loved relationships. The visuals are stunning, and the emotional stakes remain high.
