Stranger Things: Season 4, Volume 1 (2022) Dir: Matt & Ross Duffer
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So, here we are. The final season, or at least volume 1, of one of Netflix's most popular series to date. And seeing how it's so popular, I figured I'd review it. I haven't done the prior 3 seasons, but I may rewatch them soon so we shall see.
Regardless, this fourth season had a whole lot of hype before its release, especially due to the success of the previous seasons. First things first, this first volume has a runtime of 539 minutes, almost nine hours. This in only 7 episodes. So its safe to say this is a long watch.
The 80s setting and aesthetic continues to be one of this show's many strengths, along with its appropriately throwback-heavy soundtrack - which I could not get enough of. The narrative had 3 main arcs, each with their own twists and turns.
All 3 had strong moments throughout, although the Eleven narrative seemed to get dragged out a little too much for my liking. That said, all 3 storylines managed to reach a strong and tantalising climax in time for the volume's end.
Episode 1 was slow but intriguing, and had a phenomenal cliffhanger ending. The story builds very well throughout 'Volume One' and manages to give each character a decent amount of screentime and character building.
Furthermore, it was nice to see some characters who didn't interact as much in prior seasons get scenes together.
Millie Bobby Brown has one of the biggest roles here, as she has done throughout the series, and gives one of her best performances that I've seen from her, for the most part. She has a couple of scenes in the first couple of episodes that I wasn't so keen on, but that's really nitpicking.
Finn Wolfhard seems to get better and better as he grows up, and this series really showd how far he has come - especially with his comedic timing.
Gaten Matarazzo continues to be one of the most likeable characters in the whole series. He just has that knack for making any line he wants funny. His natural charisma and personality shines through anytime he appears.
Caleb McLaughlin got to show some pretty complex sides of his character, and in my opinion does remarkably well. He manages to show his character's progression and development very well and provides a very interesting subplot.
Sadie Sink is another one who gives one of the best performances I've seen from her. She is one of the best characters of the season and has so many great moments.
Noah Schnapp has some great moments early on but it feels like his character fades a little as the volume goes on.
This assessment also applies to Charlie Heaton, though I will admit that this wasn't necessarily either man's fault.
Natalie Dyer grows into the series well, and shows great chemistry with Maya Hawke. Hawke continues to grow into her role and make herself fit into the talented cast around here.
Joe Keery gives a decent performance, and continues to show his immense on-screen chemistry with Matarazzo.
Winona Ryder continues to show her incredible talent and longevity, and works remarkably well with the always entertaining Brett Gelman, who is such a great character.
Joseph Quinn is the best of the new characters, and gives the season a much needed freshness that allows so many more character avenues to be explored.
David Harbour shows some impressive versatility in a challenging role this season. He carries his arc well and never fails to translate the importance of each of his scenes.
Tom Wlaschiha is another new character, and does a good job of showing his character's developments. I'll also mention Nikola Djuricko who was incredibly entertaining.
For the sake of length, I will only speak briefly of these remaining actors, but they all had positive moments in each of their scenes; Eduardo Franco, Robert Englund, Priah Furguson, Jamie Campbell Bower, Mason Dyer and Matthew Modine.
Overall, this first volume left me, along with just about every other Stranger Things fan, desperate for more. And with the arrival of Volume 2 imminent, we won't have long to wait.
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