Why 'Stranger Things' is the ultimate 80s adventure ride
What's the story
Stranger Things nails the 1980s suburban adventure better than anything else. The show takes us back to an era where kids were free to explore their neighborhood and go on thrilling quests. By emphasizing friendship and the magic of childhood, it connects with everyone who remembers those days. Here's how Stranger Things perfectly captures this unique period in history.
Bonds
Authentic depiction of friendships
The friendships shown in Stranger Things are an exact replica of the 1980s, when friendships were built on experiences and not screens. The kids spend their time riding bikes, playing games, and solving mysteries, a time when meeting face to face was everything. It emphasizes the essence of real friendship and how working together can help solve even the greatest of mysteries, something that everyone has experienced in their childhood.
Gadgets
Accurate representation of technology
The show also gets the technology of the 1980s spot on, from walkie-talkies to arcade games. These are not merely nostalgic props but a part of the storyline that pushes plot and character development. By using these technologies authentically, Stranger Things puts viewers in a world where communication was more personal and entertainment was more communal than solitary.
Neighborhoods
Capturing suburban life
Suburban life of the 80s is shown through relatable spaces like tree-lined roads, local schools, and community events. These make for an adventurous background, but also bring out the everyday life of that time. The detail with which the show has recreated these spaces makes us feel like we are walking back into our past or something we are discovering for the first time, but authentically.
Creativity
Emphasis on imagination
Imagination is key in Stranger Things, mirroring how kids relied on creativity to keep themselves occupied before the age of screens. The characters engage in storytelling and imaginative play as they deal with real-world issues and supernatural elements in their quests. This emphasis on creativity highlights its importance as an integral part of childhood exploration during the era.