The Duffer brothers brought back their eccentric sci-fi story from the first season of “Stranger Things” and incorporated it into season two with a thrilling twist. Like the first season, “Stranger Things Two” takes place in the ‘80s and is inspired by a collage of previously made science fiction and horror films. The search for the subtle sci-fi references in this season are guaranteed to keep the viewers engaged throughout each episode. This series is perfect for a late night of binge-watching that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The plot follows young Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) who becomes a part of another dimension known as “The Upside Down.” Trouble stirs when he starts to flash in and out of “The Upside Down.” After being admitted to a hospital for these mysterious flashes, his best friends Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) and Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin) become determined to find out what has been happening to Will.

With the help of a new friend, Max (Sadie Sink) and their sidekick Steve Harrington (Joe Keery), the five characters undergo a journey in search of the Demogorgon that is taking over Will. The chief of police, Jim Hopper (David Harbour) and Jane Ives/Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) are in search of the vines that were previously shown at the end of season one. Will’s older brother, Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) and his close friend, Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer) try to take down the bad people Jane mentioned by giving them a taste of their own medicine.

Season two of “Stranger Things” is just as good as season one, maybe even better with all of the amazing visual effects. In the first season, the audience is presented with a visual interpretation of how the directors view “The Upside Down.” The set of “The Upside Down” is dark with floating particles, which really gives you a feel for the atmosphere of this fictional alternate universe. In this new season, there is a new set for “The Upside Down,” which includes all new features such as underground tunnels, a vibrant new sky, more demogorgons and a new and even more powerful shadow figure. Compared to season one, this new season is much more thrilling and breathtaking with a chilling feel. However, in order to watch season two you need to have seen season one since the same story is continued.

The “Stranger Things” series was inspired by the novel written by Preston B. Nichols and Peter Moon, “The Montauk Project: Experiments in Time,” published in 1992. According to Martha C. White of Time, “The Montauk Project” is “a virtual Rube Goldberg machine for conspiracy-theory buffs, replete with secret government experiments, kids with supernatural powers, time travel-portals, and scary monsters-all said to be carried out at an Air Force base on the tip of Long Island.” The series was also said to be inspired by the sister conspiracy “The Philadelphia Experiment.”

The acting in “Stranger Things Two” is phenomenal when it comes to humor, terror and romance. The facial expressions and the tones of the actors and actresses voices tell the story and helps you to visualize them as the role that they are playing. The costume designs are very significant as well. The clothing and glasses that they wore were clearly those from the ‘80s, and the style of cars and houses were dated for this time. The script for “Stranger Things Two” is perfect because it gives you both the fear of danger and relief.

The soundtrack is on the spot during each scene and the sound effects are extravagant. It draws your mind to the screen. The cinematography is what bring “Stranger Things Two” to life. With all of the interesting types of camera angles and close ups used when the characters are in trouble and or in “The Upside Down,” there is no doubt in mind that the viewers will fall in love with this masterpiece.

“Stranger Things Two” was recently released on Netflix on October 27, 2017. I recommend that everyone watch this hit series, even those who prefer to read a book. Readers should definitely give “Stranger Things” a try, because the details in this series are supplementary to the point where they tell a story on their own. This series is a great way for family or friends to bond, or even for a date night.