Released on November 26, the eagerly anticipated first part of season 5 of the iconic Netflix series, Stranger Things, has took its rightfully deserved spotlight. Intended to be the last season filmed, it is set a year after the end of season 4 and is gradually setting up for a epic two hour finale that will be shown in select theaters.

Stranger Things is a Netflix Original series that has spanned over 4 full seasons. The series explores the supernaturally infected (fictional) town of Hawkins, Indiana and how it has affected its residents. The story is based in the 80s, which gives it a unique feel and vibe. Viewers follow Mike, Lucas, and, Dustin, who are a group of friends that find themselves entangled in the dark underbelly of Hawkins when their friend, Will, vanishes after a session of Dungeons and Dragons. The group, along with their other buddies, work to find him and eventually find out that there are many secrets that they aren’t even aware of. 

During their quest, they encounter Eleven, a laboratory escapee who has opened a rift to the Upside Down (which is a alternate reality that is identical to the real world, but is darker and filled with monsters and entities like the iconic Demogorgon) and has telekinetic powers, who eventually finds a father figure in the town’s troubled, alcoholic chief of police, Jim Hopper.

While keeping the iconic characters streamers have grown to love, like Eleven, Joyce, Hopper, Nancy, and Steve, new characters and enriching environments and introduced and seemingly unimportant characters and events are delved into deeper.

In my opinion, what we’ve been given so far is setting up a dramatic and exciting finale full of action. While season 4 had more graphic and horror elements, this season is focusing more o heavily on story elements and building on foundations set on the prior seasons. Like last season, there are multiple main plots to delve into, which garnered some controversy back then for being confusing and unnecessary, and probably will now as well. 

While not in the general spotlight, there are a few established romances and a love triangle for all of you matchmakers who just HAVE to know.

I like many things about this first part, like the characterization of some familiar faces that were somewhat done dirty last season, like Mike. I appreciate that he became less rude and more restrained this time around. I also LOVE all of the cute little friendships that are being made here, and all of the fun little tidbits that distract me from how crazy the show’s plot really is.

To be honest, there’s not anything that I can complain about. The only thing I’d singing the blues about is how long I have to wait for part 2. Christmas? Really? I can’t handle the wait!

In summary, I loved this new season. It was interesting to see how all the characters have been fleshed out since the show’s debut in 2016. I’ve grown to love this little show, and I am SO ready to see how it all ends.

Part 2 (which contains 2 episodes) will be available to stream on Netflix on Christmas Day, and the finale will release on New Year’s Eve. Again, the finale is able to be seen in all Regal Cinemas locations from December 31-January 1, so buy your tickets now at regmovies.com. Tickets are $11.

Regal Locations near Calhoun, Georgia:

Regal Hamilton Place (Chattanooga, Tennessee)

Regal Cherokee (Woodstock, Georgia)

Regal Town Center Stadium 17 & RPX (Kennesaw, Georgia)

Regal Avalon (Alpharetta, Georgia)