Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1

*Warning: This review may contain some spoilers.

Stranger Things 5, Volume 1 arrives with more pressure than any previous season. Three years have passed since Season 4, and after nearly a decade of mysteries, unanswered questions, and the growing expectations of fans who have aged alongside the characters, the series is finally reaching its end. Although I’m not a huge fan of Netflix’s “volume” release strategy (I would much prefer weekly episodes), this first instalment, while flawed, still manages to be both exciting and thoughtful. It’s a reminder of why Stranger Things has stayed in the spotlight for so long. There’s a clear sense of intention and purpose behind what the Duffer Brothers are trying to say. 

One of the most compelling of those in this volume is Noah Schnapp’s performance. Will Byers finally steps into the space of a true main character, truly becoming the root of the story he has always supposed to have been, and Schnapp meets the challenge with honesty and sensitivity. His portrayal of a young gay teen in 1987 isn’t loud – it’s careful, and very authentic, especially in small moments of his interaction with Wolfhard’s Mike. It’s a reminder that coming-of-age stories, especially queer ones, don’t always need grand gestures (It’s also part of why I hope Mike and Will don’t end up together, despite how strongly the internet pushes for it.) Will’s struggle to understand himself has underpinned the whole series both literally, in his escape of Vecna, and emotionally, as a young gay man in the 80s. I think while slightly whimsy, there is a nice touch that he needed to accept himself in order to gain powers. 

Jamie Campbell Bower continues to elevate the show as Henry/Vecna. He embodies this character with unnerving magnetism that makes him both terrifying and strangely beautiful. There’s something almost mythic about his presence which, forgive me, I think only a brit who has acted in Harry Potter and Twilight can do – the charm of his voice and face when contrasted with the monstrous evil he has been made to be. He feels like an emblem of seduction with the audience as well as the story he interacts with. 

The plot this season moves with more clarity than the previous two. Holly Wheeler getting more attention is surprisingly refreshing; the young actress brings a gentle energy reminiscent of the first two seasons that pairs well with Sadie Sink’s brilliant work. Sink continues to shine as Max, following on from a career high performance of last season’s “Dear Billy.” McLaughlin’s Lucas also serves her character well (although I do wish the Duffers had explored his story individually like they have done with the other boys.) 

Still, there are undeniable flaws. Robin’s storyline feels less authentic than in previous seasons. Some of Hawke’s dialogue feels slightly forced, as if the writers were not completely sure how to evolve her, and an odd plot point of her fearing Will exposing her own homosexuality (one would assume she would have had an important enough gaydar to work his out). There’s also obvious retconning around Vecna’s backstory that longtime viewers will pick up on. While it doesn’t break the story, it does make certain reveals feel engineered. 

One of the most compelling of those in this volume is Noah Schnapp’s performance.

The lack of a time jump is another missed opportunity. The age gap between actors and characters is more noticeable than ever, and the narrative would have benefited from letting the characters grow into the actors ages. Meanwhile, the Steve x Nancy x Jonathan love triangle feels strangely out of place. Steve, especially, reads out of character, which weakens the emotional grounds gained we have come to love from him. My biggest issue is Kali’s reveal leaning on an expected trope instead of taking a creative risk. We should have seen her earlier if she was going to come back. It feels a bit lazy and a bit Mary-sued. 

As for predictions, the emotional setup of the season makes me predict certain deaths, with the creators supposing four according to reports. Jonathan’s path seems pointed toward sacrifice, completing a brother-themed throughline that the show has gestured toward since Season 1. I am also predicting Robin and Vickie; the pattern of lesbian couples being denied happy endings.  

Even with these concerns, I genuinely enjoyed the volume. The Duffer Brothers have continued expanding the mythology delightfully. Will’s evolving powers, I hope, will add something new without overshadowing Eleven, who should remain the emotional anchor of the series. Otherwise, it would be a bit of a cop out and feel slightly man centric if she is not the true superhero. The comparisons to Harry Potter grow stronger each season, with Will akin to Harry as Vecna’s Horcrux instead of Voldermort’s, and I hope there is not too many by the end. 

My final prediction is that the show turns towards a Star Wars-style redemption arc with Vecna. I don’t mind him taking a Vader-like turn back to the light in a last-minute stand against the Mind Flayer, based on the events of the prequel play. I think it would be thematically honest despite the retconning. 

In the end, Stranger Things 5, Volume 1 is imperfect, but rich with intention. 

*Four more episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 will be released on Christmas and the finale episode will be released on New Year’s Eve.