‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Volume 1 review: Nerve-shredding return leaves you begging for Volume 2

The air crackles with anticipation. It’s been too long, hasn’t it? The wait for Stranger Things Season 5 has felt like an eternity, a descent into our own personal Upside Down. And now, finally, Volume 1 has arrived, plunging us headfirst back into the nightmare that is Hawkins, Indiana. The familiar synth soundtrack pulses, a comforting yet ominous reminder of the horrors that await. The Duffer Brothers promised a darker, more intense season, and let me tell you, they weren’t kidding. Prepare to say goodbye to any semblance of peace you might have found because this is a relentless, nerve-shredding return that will leave you absolutely begging for Volume 2. (Seriously, Netflix, can we get a release date ASAP?).

From the opening scene, a visually stunning and unsettling sequence that I won’t spoil (you’ll thank me later), it’s clear that Vecna’s influence has seeped into every corner of Hawkins. The town is decaying, both physically and spiritually. The residents are living in fear, haunted by the events of Season 4. It’s a palpable sense of dread that permeates every frame, a masterful display of tension building that elevates the show’s horror elements to a whole new level. And the kids? (Well, they’re not really kids anymore, are they?) They’re facing challenges unlike anything they’ve encountered before, both from the supernatural forces and the very real traumas they’ve endured. You can see it in their eyes, the weight of the world, or rather, the weight of multiple dimensions, resting squarely on their young shoulders. I overheard someone leaving a screening saying, “I haven’t been this stressed watching TV since the Red Wedding!” I think that pretty much sums it up.

But it’s not just the horror that grabs you. The heart of Stranger Things has always been its characters, and Season 5 Volume 1 delivers on that front as well. The bonds between Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, Max (in her own way), and the rest of the gang are tested like never before. They’re forced to confront their deepest fears and make impossible choices, all while battling external forces that threaten to tear them apart. Expect plenty of tearful reunions, heartbreaking sacrifices, and moments of genuine heroism. The nostalgia factor is also cranked up to eleven (pun intended), with plenty of nods to 80s pop culture and callbacks to earlier seasons. But it never feels forced or gratuitous; it’s woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the overall experience. Remember your favorite 80’s movie? Chances are there’s a subtle homage somewhere in this season.

The visual effects are absolutely stunning, a significant upgrade from previous seasons. The Upside Down has never looked so menacing, so alien, so utterly terrifying. The creature designs are truly nightmare-inducing, and the action sequences are exhilarating and often brutal. I remember gasping aloud during one particularly intense scene involving a Demogorgon and a rusty nail bat. The show’s production value is through the roof, solidifying its position as one of Netflix’s flagship series. One small detail I noticed was the increased use of practical effects, which really adds to the grounded feel, even in the most fantastical moments. It’s a masterful blend of CGI and practical artistry.

The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever

What sets Season 5 apart is the sheer weight of the stakes. This isn’t just about saving Hawkins anymore; it’s about saving the world. Vecna’s plan is far more ambitious and terrifying than anything we’ve seen before, and the consequences of failure are catastrophic. The Duffer Brothers have clearly learned from the criticisms leveled at previous seasons, streamlining the plot and focusing on the core characters and conflicts. There are no unnecessary subplots or filler episodes here; every scene serves a purpose, driving the narrative forward with relentless momentum. You won’t find yourself skipping through any scenes, trust me. The pacing is perfectly calibrated to keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

The performances are uniformly excellent. Millie Bobby Brown delivers a career-defining performance as Eleven, showcasing both her vulnerability and her immense power. Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, and Noah Schnapp continue to impress as Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will, respectively, each bringing their own unique strengths to the table. And the adult cast, led by Winona Ryder and David Harbour, are as compelling as ever. But special mention must go to Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna, whose chilling portrayal of the villain is simply unforgettable. His presence is genuinely terrifying, and he manages to inject a surprising amount of nuance into a character that could easily have been a one-dimensional monster.

Diving Deeper: Key Plot Points (Spoiler-Free!)

While I can’t reveal any major spoilers, I can offer a few tantalizing hints about what to expect from Volume 1:

• The season delves deeper into Will’s connection to the Upside Down, exploring the lasting impact of his time there.
• Max’s fate remains uncertain, and her friends are desperately searching for a way to save her.
• New alliances are formed, and old rivalries are rekindled.
• The secrets of Hawkins Lab are finally revealed, shedding light on Eleven’s origins and Vecna’s motivations.
• Expect some major character deaths. (I know, I know, but it’s inevitable.)

One of my favorite aspects of this season is the exploration of trauma. Each character is grappling with the psychological scars of their past experiences, and their struggles feel incredibly real and relatable. The show doesn’t shy away from the difficult topics of grief, PTSD, and mental health, handling them with sensitivity and nuance. This adds a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative, making it more than just a simple sci-fi horror story. It is really a story about resilience.

The 80s Are Back (With a Vengeance)

The 80s setting is more than just window dressing; it’s an integral part of the show’s identity. The music, the fashion, the technology (or lack thereof) all contribute to the overall atmosphere and create a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. Season 5 is no exception, featuring a killer soundtrack filled with iconic 80s hits and plenty of references to classic movies and TV shows. Keep an ear out for some deep cuts – the music supervisors really outdid themselves this time around! I even caught a glimpse of a “Back to the Future” poster in Mike’s basement.

Here are a few of the 80s tropes that are brilliantly executed this season:

1. Over-the-top fashion: Think neon colors, big hair, and shoulder pads galore.
2. Synthesizer-heavy soundtrack: The music perfectly complements the action and adds to the overall suspense.
3. Practical effects: As mentioned earlier, the use of practical effects enhances the realism of the show.
4. Teen angst: The characters are struggling with typical teenage problems, but their issues are amplified by the supernatural threats they face.

Is Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 Worth Watching?

Absolutely. Without a doubt. Unequivocally. Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 is a triumph. It’s a thrilling, emotional, and visually stunning return to Hawkins that will leave you breathless and desperate for more. The Duffer Brothers have crafted a masterful conclusion to their epic story, delivering on all the promises they’ve made over the years. If you’re a fan of the show, you absolutely cannot miss this. And if you’ve never seen Stranger Things before, now is the perfect time to start. Just be prepared to lose a lot of sleep!

One thing that really stood out to me was the pacing. Previous seasons sometimes suffered from pacing issues, with certain episodes feeling slow or unnecessary. But Season 5 is lean and mean, with every episode packed with action, suspense, and character development. There’s no wasted time, no filler scenes. The story moves forward with relentless momentum, keeping you hooked from beginning to end.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy Defined

Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 is more than just a television show; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s a show that has captivated audiences around the world with its compelling characters, its thrilling storylines, and its nostalgic setting. And with this final season, the Duffer Brothers have cemented their legacy as two of the most talented and innovative storytellers working in television today. The anticipation for Volume 2 is almost unbearable. The questions linger: Who will survive? Will Hawkins ever be the same? And most importantly, will Eleven and her friends finally be able to defeat Vecna and close the gate to the Upside Down for good? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the world will be watching.