Are you seriously missing out? The overseas drama 'Stranger Things' is genuinely fascinating
Have you all watched the Netflix original series Stranger Things? Of all the overseas (American) dramas I've watched, this is the one I've been most hooked on. This show is just incredibly entertaining.
As for the genre, it can be described as sci-fi with strong horror elements. The creators, the Duffer Brothers, are well-versed not only in American cinema but also in Japanese subculture, and various works have been incorporated into this series.
Currently, seasons 1 through 4 are available on Netflix. There was news that half of the filming for season 5 was completed in July of this year, but I don't know what has happened since then. According to actor Gaten Matarazzo, it might be 2025, but that is not certain either.
The story and world of 'Stranger Things' can be briefly explained as follows: Set in the fictional rural town of Hawkins, Indiana, a group of children, their families, and the townspeople join forces to fight against monsters that have emerged from the Upside Down and the conspiracies of a secret organization.
Since it is set in the 80s, the fashion, hairstyles, cars, and even the small talk in the show feel so 80s that it's irresistible. I feel a lot of nostalgia for 90s Japanese culture, but I also love 80s American culture.
That's right. People who love American culture from around the 80s will likely get hooked on 'Stranger Things.' People who are likely to get hooked on Stranger Things have the following characteristics.
People who like sci-fi and horror
People who like Stephen King's works
People who like 80s American culture
People who like juvenile stories
The Duffer Brothers evoke or directly express works and games from the 80s and beyond, but I think the overall worldview has strong Stephen King elements. The encounter with supernatural phenomena in a rural town experienced by the group of four boys who are the main characters feels like 'Stand By Me' or 'IT'.
Also, as the Duffer Brothers themselves mentioned in a conversation with TV producer Nobuyuki Sakuma, they stated that the world was heavily influenced by the Japanese works 'Elfen Lied' and 'AKIRA.' The creatures that are essential to talking about 'Stranger Things' also seem to have been influenced by Capcom's 'Resident Evil'.
Of course, the biggest influence is American film and television. Actors who have appeared in movies that the Duffer Brothers clearly love also appear in this show.
Anyway, there is so much to talk about regarding Stranger Things that it's hard to summarize, so if you feel like 'Oh, this might be interesting,' please watch it. No, really, please watch it. If you have ever thought that sci-fi works are even a little bit interesting, you will definitely get hooked.