It’s finally summer in Hawkins, Indiana and the newly-opened Starcourt Mall is the hottest new hangout for everyone in town. However, sunny weather and high temperatures won’t keep the menacing evil from the Upside Down at bay as the Mind Flayer returns to wreak havoc on Hawkins and its residents. Not only do our characters have to deal with an other-worldly monster this season, but they also must take down nefarious Russians. The latter have infiltrated Hawkins, and more importantly the Starcourt Mall. Even though the idea of having two different antagonists may seem cluttered and unnecessary, in typical Duffer brothers fashion, both the Mind Flayer and the Russians are connected in an interesting way. As the characters are thrown back into perilous situations, will they succeed in saving Hawkins for the third time? Or will their efforts be all for nothing?
The ‘Stranger Things’ Cast Puts in Their All
The entire cast once again brings their A-game to Season 3. They deliver flexible performances that balance the show’s light-hearted, playful humour and the intense emotions. Like the previous seasons, David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown both give remarkable performances. We even get to see Eleven (Brown) grow into her own version of herself, furthering her relationship with Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and developing her own sense of style with the help of Max (Sadie Sink).
Joe Keery, and new addition to the cast Maya Hawke, who plays Steve’s (Keery) colleague Robin at the Scoops Ahoy ice cream parlour, both give dazzling turns that are among the best performances of the season. The pair’s platonic chemistry is phenomenal and makes their pairing one of the best parts of the entire season. Not only does Steve form a new friendship with Robin, but viewers get to see the progression of his iconic friendship with Dustin (Gaten Matarazzaro), kicking the season of with a heart- warming reunion. The fan-favourite duo joins forces with Robin and Erica (Priah Ferguson), Lucas’ Sister, to infiltrate the top-secret Russian laboratory.
Much like the previous seasons, Season 3 delivers consistently top-notch craftsmanship with every single episode. The vibrance of summer and the neon colours of the ’80s makes this third season a feast for the eyes. Cinematographers Tim Ives and Lachlan Milne provide the 8-episode season with striking visuals. It makes for a captivating viewing experience you can’t take your eyes off.
Dacre Montgomery Puts Forth a Tremendous Performance
The episodes get progressively stronger, with Season 3 being home to some of the best scenes in the series. Episode 4, titled “Chapter Four: The Sauna Test” features a petrifying scene with Billy (Dacre Montgomery) being locked in a sauna by Mike, Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), Eleven, and Max (Sadie Sink). Episode 7 “Chapter Seven: The Bite,” includes an incredibly moving and important scene between Steve and Robin in which she comes out to him as lesbian. The scene is a complete 180º from what some viewers had in mind for the pair. However, it does make for some much-needed LGBTQ+ representation in the show.
Even though all villains in “Stranger Things” stem from the same place (the Upside Down), each season’s villain manages to be scarier than the last. Season 3’s monster takes the form of the Mind Flayer’s many victims, essentially becoming a grotesque ball of melted people. The visual effects this time around aren’t afraid to be gruesome. The season starts with exploding rats and scorched scientists, keeping the special effects invariably stomach-churning.
Joining “Stranger Things'” best performances is Dacre Montgomery, returning to his role as Billy from the second season. He takes centre-stage this time as one of the Mind Flayer’s first victims/hosts. Montgomery gives a chilling performance. He exudes fear and terror when the Mind Flayer is in control, while being withdrawn and unsettled when he’s not.
New Cast Members Add to ‘Stranger Things’
Other new cast members who join the show alongside Maya Hawke include Jake Busey (“The Frighteners,” “A Boy Called Sailboat”), Michael Park (“As the World Turns”), Francesca Reale (“Haters Back Off”) and Alec Utgoff (“Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit”). Hawke’s character Robin is a refreshing addition to the main cast. Hawke’s notable performance makes Robin a character you can instantly fall in love with. Not only does this season see the progression of Mike and Eleven’s relationship, but it also sees the blossoming of Nancy and Jonathan’s relationship after their long-awaited kiss in season two. The pair have pure and authentic chemistry that makes their bond even sweeter.
This season, like the previous ones, does a tremendous job balancing the show’s hilarious comedy, edge-of-the-seat action, and touching emotion. The show also leans more into the teenage sides of our main characters. It forces them to navigate their newfound relationships, confront the idea of love, and find out what happens when you grow out of childish things. On top of the revolting special effects, audiences are thrown for a tear-jerking loop with the multiple major character deaths in the final two episodes. The abruptness of the deaths makes one of the final scenes of the season — a scene in which Eleven reads a letter from one of the deceased — one of the saddest scenes in the entire season.
The Strongest Season So Far…
Overall, “Stranger Things” Season 3 is potentially the strongest season of the show so far. Whether it’s the vivid visuals or intricate storytelling, it is the most rewatchable and enjoyable season. However, with the release of “Stranger Things” Season 4, Volume 2 right around the corner, Season 4 may take its place as the top season. The Duffer brothers, Shawn Levy, and Uta Briesewitz all do a remarkable job bringing these iconic characters. They bring their complex stories to the screen, making for a thoroughly entertaining viewing experience.
“Stranger Things” is available to stream on Netflix.
Support the Site: Consider becoming a sponsor to unlock exclusive, member-only content and help support The Movie Buff!
