Stranger Things 5 Episodes 1–4 Review: Millie Bobby Brown Owns It As Eleven And The Core Group’s Final Battle with Vecna Begins

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Plot

Season 5 of Stranger Things begins in the fall of 1987, immediately following the devastating events of the previous season. The town of Hawkins is still recovering from the damage caused by the opened “Rifts” and is under increased scrutiny from the government. Eleven, Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Max – the main group of friends, played by Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, and Sadie Sink respectively – face their most dangerous challenge yet: locating and defeating Vecna.

Vecna has disappeared, and no one knows what he’s planning. Back in Hawkins, the town is under military control, and the authorities are aggressively searching for Eleven, driving her into hiding. With everything so tense and uncertain, and a dangerous threat growing, the group is facing a more desperate and frightening battle than ever before.

What works for Stranger Things 5

This season feels significantly darker due to the military lockdown imposed by the government, its frightening moments, and a rising sense of unease. The strongest parts of the series are the damaged friendships and the heavy impact of past losses, which give the characters more emotional depth and maturity. The strained and broken relationships make the characters feel especially vulnerable, more so than we’ve seen before.

The openings between Hawkins and the Upside Down suggest the two worlds might collide, potentially leading to a major change or conclusion later in the season. The first four episodes stay true to the show’s 1980s style and focus on the original group of friends, all while keeping the spooky, supernatural atmosphere that fans love about Stranger Things.

What does not work for Stranger Things 5

As a huge fan, I’ll admit the first four episodes left me with a few questions. While the mystery around Eleven and her friends, and whether Vecna actually survived, kept me hooked, it sometimes felt like things were moving too fast. It was a lot to take in! I think a few character storylines got a little lost in all the complexity, and honestly, it slowed down the pace when I was really craving more action. It’s a deep story, for sure, but sometimes that depth made things feel a bit stalled.

Because Season 5 is being released in three separate parts – the first on November 26th, the second on December 25th, and the final part on December 31st – viewers might lose interest. Ending on a cliffhanger and then making people wait a long time for the next installment could reduce the excitement and make the story feel less compelling.

Acting performances in Stranger Things 5

The entire cast, from the main characters to those in supporting roles, does a great job portraying the series’ difficult emotions. The show effectively conveys trauma, loss, and fear. The relationships between the characters feel realistic and burdened by the challenges of growing up, dealing with responsibility, and facing past mistakes. This makes their performances feel more impactful and mature compared to the lighter tone of the show’s earlier seasons.

Millie Bobby Brown continues to portray Eleven with the same subtle power she’s demonstrated throughout the series. Her performance has grown more nuanced alongside Eleven’s own development. Now, Eleven’s story is about more than just her abilities; it’s about learning to accept herself, facing her fears, and understanding the cost of protecting those she loves. She’s not only battling monsters, but also striving to safeguard the people who have guided her.

The supporting characters and those we’ve seen before really shine under pressure, with their friendships becoming both more delicate and more meaningful. As their relationships grow more complex, the ethical challenges they face feel more genuine. The actors beautifully portray the characters’ fear, uncertainty, devotion, and affection.

Final verdict of Stranger Things 5

As a huge Stranger Things fan, I can tell you the first four episodes of Season 5 are incredible. They’re really setting the stage for an epic final chapter – it’s moody, emotional, and just feels big. What I love most is how they’ve balanced the huge, world-ending stakes with really personal stories for each character. They’ve all grown so much, and it feels like everything that’s happened before has led to this – a truly fitting start to the end.

There are definitely challenges ahead! Finishing the complex story of Hawkins and the Upside Down carries a lot of pressure. Releasing the final season in two parts could lessen the impact, and with so many storylines, there’s a risk the ending might feel hurried. However, so far, it looks like Stranger Things 5 is heading towards a satisfying conclusion.

If the show’s creators can successfully blend scary moments with familiar feelings, compelling characters, and genuine emotion, Season 5 could be a satisfying and moving conclusion to a series that has resonated with audiences across generations.

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2025-11-27 11:07