Stranger Things season 4 volume 2 review: Ambitious, grandiose, and simply the best of what the series has to offer

4/5

Story:
As Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) races against time to regain her powers with the help of an unlikely ally in Dr Brenner, the gang back at Hawkins plans an elaborate assault on Vecna to help save the world. Elsewhere in the Soviet Union, a reunited Joyce and Jim must find a way back to return to their children with the help of Murray and Yuri.

Review:
The first volume of the fourth season certainly had its moments and it was firmly established early on that the series was going back to its roots, albeit in a more ambitious manner. However, it did take its time to click into full gear and waited till the jaw-dropping fourth episode to explode into life. The second volume, therefore, has the added advantage of not having to establish new storylines or characters, and it dives straight into the thick of the action as Vecna’s threat of a global apocalypse looms on the horizon.

Creators, the Duffer Brothers, have certainly added more cinematic quality to the series that already boasted excellent production design. And the multifaceted layers to the storyline, featuring heartwarming scenes, thrilling sequences, and spine-tingling moments, provide the fans with a well-crafted and well-rounded binge-watching experience. The seamless transition between each storyline and the riveting screenplay renders the daunting four-hour runtime of the two episodes insignificant.

While the storytelling, visuals, sound, and themes are certainly executed to near perfection, it’s the incredible performances by some of the cast members that elevate the series to much higher standards. Noah Schnapp has a truly heartbreaking scene in the eighth episode in which the young actor successfully delivers a performance that evokes genuine empathy from the audience, despite the subtlety in the scene. David Harbour, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, and Matthew Modine essayed riveting performances. But the true standout and breakout character of the fourth season is Eddie Munson, played by the brilliant Joseph Quinn.

The central narrative of the series is quintessentially about Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven, and her friends and family. But Munson’s character is just as important to the story since his introduction at the beginning of the season. As the local rockstar and leader of a Dungeons and Dragons club called the Hellfire, it comes as no surprise why he is regarded as a pariah by a town from the 80s. However, as his character is fleshed out over the course of the season, the audience is introduced to a warm, loyal, and talented young man with flair and creativity.

The fourth episode of volume one featured its most iconic moment when Sadie Sink’s Max miraculously escaped Vecna with Kate Bush’s iconic song Running Down that Hill playing in the background. A song which returned to the top of the charts for the first time since the 80s, thanks to the episode. In volume two, the iconic moment is undoubtedly when Eddie slings his guitar over his shoulders and plays Metallica’s Master of Puppets in full volume in the Upside Down world with lightning and thunder in the background. A spine-tingling scene and the only thing that could come remotely close to this sensation is if one were to witness the scenes at Celtic Park for an Old Firm derby when the home fans serenade with You Will Never Walk Alone.

Maya Hawke’s Robin Buckley, Joe Keery’s Steve Harrington, and Natalia Dyer’s Nancy Wheeler have solidified themselves as fans-favourites. However, Charlie Heaton’s Jonathan Byers and Finn Wolfhard’s Will Byers had relatively subdued parts to play in the overall narrative, which is surprising considering they were two of the most important characters in season one. In fact, an argument could be made that Jonathan’s friend Argyle, played by Eduardo Franco, contributes more to the story than Jonathan.

The season finale featured other spectacular set-pieces as well, including a stunning fight scene between Jim and a Demogorgon. At one point, the story appeared as if it would take a rather cliched route with how it would find its resolution. But thankfully it offered something far more meaningful, emotional, and compelling. The three parallel narratives were brought together at the end with a rather unique twist in their execution.

Verdict:
Stranger Things is back to its very best after a relatively lacklustre season three. The fourth season is ambitious in scale and execution, delivering a thrilling yet emotional story. Vecna’s true intentions and complete backstory are finally revealed and the season has also set up the story for the fifth and final season. And it certainly promises to be bigger in scope than the fourth.