There’s no doubt that “Stranger Things” takes pride in its nostalgic ’80s allure. The Duffer Brothers‘ TV phenomenon doesn’t hide its influences – in every scene it makes sure that we know their show takes place during the era of Reaganomics and Rubik’s cubes. It’s not just the outside influences. The attention to detail the Duffers bring to the show’s production is noteworthy. If you happen to decide to rewatch the first season, in anticipation of this Halloween’s upcoming new episodes, make sure to pay special attention to the pitch-perfect music cues, the subtle homages to eighties movies, and, of course, the endless barrage of outlandish fashion statements (Mom jeans anybody?).
Back to the movie influences, “The Goonies” is the main one that keeps being mentioned, but there’s also “E.T,” “The Dark Crystal,” “Aliens” and even “Firestarter,” – the 1984 Drew Barrymore-starring vehicle which dealt with kids being subjected to secret experiments. Bet you haven’t seen that movie in ages.
We showed you last week the ’80s inspired Season 2 posters, crest folds included, now the official Stranger Things Twitter account is promoting the show on Twitter with #StrangerThursdays. There they ask fans to rewatch, every Thursday, an episode of the first season and live tweet different goodies (clips, photos) to satisfy the fan’s hunger for new material ahead of the October 27th release of Season 2 on Netflix. Prime among the goodies are posters inspired by 1980s movies that influenced the show. In order below, you’ve got poster riffs on “Firestarter,” “Alien,” “Stand By Me,” “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “The Running Man,” in case you don’t already know how much the series wears its influences on its sleeves. So far five posters have been released, with a new one expected every Thursday.
The initial season’s official synopsis read as follows:
“In 1953, MKUltra came to Hawkins, Indiana and began experimentation. In 1979, Police Chief Jim Hopper returns to Hawkins. On November 6, 1983 a young boy named Will Byers vanished. Two days later, Barbara Holland also vanished. A year after Will’s return, everything seems back to normal… but a darkness lurks just beneath the surface, threatening all of Hawkins.”
“Stranger Things” season 2 premieres October 27 on Netflix.
