Netflix's Stranger Things 3 review: Gross, awkward, and neon

Stranger Things 3 upped the gore level, dragged us through adolescence, and splashed bright on our devices. Did it put a story together? We’ve got the review!

The Duffer Brothers had a tough job. Stranger Things 3 needed to tell a story that kept up with the growth spurts of their main cast. For the most part, they captured that awkward period of time where you’re a kid, but want to be more adult, but really, really want to hold on to being a kid. The season also stayed true to a lot of the horror of mid 80s by upping the gore and body horror. It’s the most visually appealing of the three seasons. Screens were saturated with neons and patterns galore. But there was an attempt to parallel Stranger Things 3 with early 21st century issues that came close to working, but felt tone deaf in some parts. Let’s break it down. Warning: This review will be spoilerific.

That Looks Like it Smells Awful

Sure. Based on the end of Stranger Things 2, I was confident the Mind Flayer would show up this season. I had no idea it would become corporeal. Or that corporeal meant it would be composed of melted, ground-up flesh. It was already creepy to see rats run around like a little hoard of predators and explode in “Suzie, Do You Copy?” But when the Mind Flayer started to grind up humans like some form of the Matrix in “The Mall Rats,” I was grossed out. And totally impressed. I mean, that was gore at a high level.

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“The Flayed” took the gore to more adult versions of Ghostbusters. When Nancy (Natalie Dyer) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) are chased by demodogs that used to be Tom Holloway (Michael Park) and Bruce (Jake Busey) from the Hawkins paper, we knew they were not coming back even if someone did cross the streams. When Eleven (Millie Bobbie Brown) beats the Tom and Bruce demodog, it slinks its way down the sewer grate outside of the hospital. It sheds a couple of bones that won’t fit through the grate. That was a nice, disgusting touch. There was a note of finality for those characters, as well.

I also liked the use of the poor flayed citizens of Hawkins. They were a sleeper cell that wouldn’t rise up to form a large army. They would fall to pieces and form the Mind Flayer. It was unnerving. More than one kid marched to their demise to form this disgusting version of the show’s arch enemy. There was also a mild version of Suspiria mixed with Back Swan body horror. Billy (Dacre Montgomery) wasn’t so pretty after he was flayed. Jonathan digging through El’s leg was another gore milestone for Stranger Things 3.

Just Say the Words!

I’ve personally heard people give Mike (Finn Wolfhard) a lot of grief for his attitude this season. This is actually the most grounded, emotionally balanced version of Mike we’ve seen. Mike is not a toxic male. But, he’s at the point where he could turn into one. One feature they all share is a contemptuous, boss-like attitude towards their moms. Mike had that in seasons one and two.

Stranger Things — Credit: Netflix

It wasn’t Mike’s clinginess towards El that was the issue. It was Mike lying to El about why he couldn’t see her, his reluctance to admit he was wrong to lie, and his growing possessiveness over El. That was toxic. That’s the stuff that dehumanizes. Mike actually grows as a character and learns to respect other’s space and individuality. This may seem like a common thing for a lot of folks, but sometimes you need to show a kid how to act. There is real growth with his feelings towards El and his understanding of Will (Noah Schnapp).

One of the more understated moments of Stranger Things 3 is when Mike tries to verbalize his love for El. Guys have that issue into their 40s and beyond. Mike comes close but is let off the hook when El says she overhead Mike profess his love to the others. She’s the one to say she loves Mike. Ugh! We grew this young man up the right way for eight episodes and then do the heavy lifting for him?! The saving grace was the hug he gives his mom Karen (Cara Buono) at the end of the season. He doesn’t need to be a momma’s boy. But he needs to be mindful and respectful of that bond in the future.

Who Got Served?

Robin (Maya Hawke) was a highlight of the season. She’s smart and resourceful. This is a breakout role for Maya Hawke, who gave this character a soul and a joy for life. She’ll get many roles in her own right, but I’m a nerd. She sounds like her mom, Uma Thurman, and I’m partially maintaining that Robin is Beatrix Kiddo’s daughter BeBe from Kill Bill.

Stranger Things — Credit: Netflix

In “The Bite,” Robin came out to Steve (Joe Kerry). He was quiet for a moment, considered how everything had played out, and then immediately started to tell Robin that she deserved better than her crush. The two laughed and talked all kinds of trash about Robin’s crush. It was a great moment. For young adults watching Stranger Things, this is a nice reaction to put in their heads. Listen. Process. Accept.

But, I felt the moment ended up being more about Steve. Like, wow. Look how awesome he is in the mid-80s. I was uncomfortable writing that in my recap. But I did. And, in “The Battle of Starcourt,” Robin ends up helping Steve get a job at a video store. He’s completely unqualified, but Robin wants to keep working with him because she’s found a real friend. Again, this is a great example to put in front of people of all ages. Look! Friendship! No sex involved! Just friendship! Man, alive!

The flip side is that a CIS gendered white dude is experiencing the privilege of getting a job just for being a halfway decent person. The reward for being a decent person should be nothing. Just be decent. It’s a cool scene and I don’t hate it. But as a CIS gendered white dude, I think it’s important to question that stuff when I see it. Maybe that was one of the points of this scene.

Who Are You?

Stranger Things 3 looked awesome. There was neon. There was saturation. The patterns alone made me wonder what the hell happened in the early 90s. We went from the color of life to grays, beiges, and darker grays. A couple of the characters experienced neon heightening, as well.

Stranger Things – – Credit: Netflix

Eleven basically turned into a plot device. She finally got out of the cabin, experienced real friendship, and got to be a kid. Millie Bobbie Brown continues to rule in the role. But, every other character on the show grew more from knowing her. Whether it was Mike learning how to be respectful or Will actually having a shared experience with someone, Eleven made everyone else better. She was also the ultimate bad-ass who was not vulnerable to the copious amount of nosebleeds she had.

I loved that aspect. Even Hopper admits that El is the Ultimate Warrior. But I had a sinking feeling that we were watching her flaunt her powers so that she could loose them later in the season. The impact would be greater. El did loose her powers. But the impact was more like, uh oh. Wait. Then why is she here? Her father had a similar arc.

Hopper ended season two as a humbled man who seemed to come to grips with his emotions. He was going to hold on to Eleven more loosely because that’s parenthood. In this season, it’s like he started over from square one. Last season he wanted El to remain a secret. This season he wanted her to be more outgoing. Hopper can’t stand Mileven, but he pines after Joyce (Winona Ryder). He beats up the underdeveloped character of Mayor Kline (Cary Elwes) in a scene that came out of nowhere.

Hopper was not in control of his own emotions. That’s fine. It’s a great arc to play. David Harbour is awesome in the role. But it felt contrived. Similar to Eleven’s arc, I had a bad feeling that we were being set up to hardcore care for a character that was going to be killed. And Hopper was killed. Except, he probably wasn’t. Did you know there was a thing as during-credits scenes?

Final Thoughts

All of that said, I enjoyed Stranger Things 3. It was bumpy. The characters made odd choices that served the story. Some of the more emotional moments were there just to remind you what the show was capable of being. Even though this is not my favorite season, it’s still Stranger Things. There’s a chemistry and delight to just spending time in Hawkins. The gore and look of the show continue to dazzle.

Next. Stranger Things 3 finale recap: The Battle of Starcourt. dark

The Duffer Brothers put together season finales like no one else. It’s going to be interesting to see where the show goes. The kids are going to continue to face more grownup issues. We’ve fought the American Government, the Soviet Government, and we still have Demogorgons in our lives. Will El’s sister play a role in the upcoming season? Will El get her powers back? Is that really Hopper in captivity? I’ll be ready and waiting to watch and recap. You’re on the clock, Netflix.

Did you enjoy Stranger Things 3? Are you looking forward to Stranger Things 4? Let’;s discuss in the comments!

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