Does Stranger Things Pass the Bechdel Test? A Closer Look
The Bechdel test, also known as the Bechdel, facial, or mistakenly the Mo Movie Test, is a simple test used to evaluate the representation of women in fiction. The test is named after the graphic novelist and essayist Alison Bechdel, who created the test as a way to assess the portrayal of women in movies. The test is simple: a movie passes the Bechdel test if it meets the following three criteria:
- It has at least two named female characters.
- These characters have a conversation with each other.
- This conversation is about something other than a male character or characters.
The Results: Does Stranger Things Pass the Bechdel Test?
The popular Netflix series Stranger Things, created by the Duffer Brothers, has gained a massive following for its nostalgic value, engaging storyline, and memorable characters. With its mix of sci-fi, horror, and coming-of-age themes, the show has become a critical and commercial success. But does it pass the Bechdel test?
The Characters: A Closer Look
Stranger Things features a diverse range of female characters, including:
- Eleven (El) Wyplosz, a telekinetic girl with a troubled past
- Nancy Wheeler, a high school student and the main protagonist
- Joyce Byers, Nancy’s mother, who is fiercely protective of her daughter
- Ms. Hopper, the chief of police
- Max Mayfield, a tomboy with a passion for skateboarding
- Robin, the quirky and outgoing owner of the local convenience store
The Conversations: Are They About Topics Other than Men?
While the female characters in Stranger Things do have conversations with each other, a closer examination reveals that many of these conversations revolve around male characters or are facilitated by male characters. For example:
- El and Hopper discuss Eleven’s abilities and potential threats to her safety, which is connected to her past and the male characters involved in her life.
- Nancy and Jonathan Byers, Joyce’s son, discuss his relationship with Eleven and his concerns about her well-being, which is also connected to his own emotions and motivations.
- Max and Lucas Sinclair, a main male character, bond over their shared interest in the supernatural and their friendship with El.
The Exceptions: Positive Deviations from the Norm
While many of the conversations involving female characters in Stranger Things do indeed revolve around men, there are some notable exceptions that stand out:
- Ms. Hopper and Joyce Byers have a heart-to-heart conversation about Joyce’s experiences as a single mother and the challenges she faces as a woman. This conversation is a rare instance where two female characters discuss their own lives and struggles without a direct connection to male characters.
- El and Max have a brief but meaningful conversation about their shared love of science fiction and their hopes for the future. This conversation is significant because it is one of the few times where two female characters discuss topics of mutual interest and shared passions.
Conclusion and Implications
Stranger Things, while featuring a diverse cast of female characters, fails to consistently meet the Bechdel test. While the show’s portrayal of women is more nuanced and complex than many other media, the conversations between female characters often revolve around male characters or are facilitated by them. This is a phenomenon known as the Boys-Only club, where female characters are only allowed to interact with other female characters when it is somehow related to the male characters in the story.
However, the exceptions mentioned above serve as a beacon of hope for more inclusive storytelling. As the show continues to evolve, these positive deviations from the norm could inspire more inclusive and empowering narratives, giving women more agency and representation in the story. By acknowledging the limitations of the show and actively working to create more diverse and inclusive narratives, creators can foster a more representative and engaging story that resonates with a broader audience.