What Was Stranger Things Based On?
Stranger Things, a popular Netflix original series, has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of science fiction, horror, and coming-of-age themes. But what inspired the show’s creators to create this immersive world? In this article, we’ll delve into the inspirations behind Stranger Things and explore what made it possible to create a narrative that feels so authentic and immersive.
The Original Inspiration: The ’80s
The concept of Stranger Things was born out of a fascination with the 1980s. The show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, grew up in the 1980s and drew inspiration from the nostalgic era. They wanted to capture the sense of wonder and fear that pervaded the decade, when science fiction and fantasy stories were still in their infancy.
"We grew up in the ’80s, and we were always into heavy metal music and poltergeists, and Stephen King’s works, like ‘Carrie’ and ‘Pet Sematary’ [1]. We were into that whole ‘indie’ scene, and we wanted to capture the sense of nostalgia and summer camp vibes that came with it."
The Duffer Brothers wanted to bring back the sense of wonder and excitement that they experienced as kids, but with a twist. They drew inspiration from classic sci-fi shows like "Altered Carbon" and "The Twilight Zone", as well as indie films like "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and "Zathura".
The Show’s Concept
The Duffer Brothers wanted to create a show that would be a mix of nostalgia and modernity, with a unique blend of science fiction and horror elements. They drew inspiration from classic kids’ shows like "The Goonies" and "Harry Potter", as well as the "X-Files" and "Twin Peaks".
"We wanted to create a show that would be a blend of nostalgia and teensquish ([2]), where kids are reliving their late-night routines, but have a ’80s twist**."
The Characters
The characters in Stranger Things are also inspired by the Duffer Brothers’ own childhood experiences. Eleven, the show’s protagonist, was inspired by the Steve Rogers from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while Mike Wheeler, the show’s leader, was inspired by the brotherly bond of Chris and Mike Kelly from the movie "A Quiet Place".
The VHS Tapes
The show’s opening scene, which features Eleven‘s first VHS tape, was inspired by the ’90s phenomenon of VHS tapes. The VHS tapes have become a nostalgic symbol of the ’80s, and the Duffer Brothers wanted to capture that sense of nostalgia in the opening scene.
"The opening scene sets the tone for the entire series, and it feels like it was shot in the ’80s," said Matt Duffer.
The Special Effects
The show’s special effects are also a significant aspect of its world-building. The Duffer Brothers used a combination of practical effects and CGI to create the show’s iconic Demogorgon and Upside Down monsters.
"We wanted to create enormous monsters that would intrigue and frighten audiences," said Ross Duffer. "We used a combination of practical effects and CGI to bring the monsters to life."
Table: The Influence of Specific Shows and Movies
| Inspirational Source | Feature | Inspirational Source |
|---|---|---|
| ’80s nostalgia | VHS tapes | "The Goonies" |
| Childhood influences | Horror and sci-fi movies | "The Goonies" |
| Indie cinema | Teen humor and lighthearted moments | "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" |
| Sci-fi | Iconic monsters and alien invasions | "Star Wars" |
| TV classics | Group dynamics and ensemble casts | "The Twilight Zone" |
| Plot twists | Psychological and supernatural surprises | "Twin Peaks" |
Conclusion
Stranger Things is a show that defies easy categorization, blending science fiction, horror, and coming-of-age themes in a unique and captivating way. The show’s inspirations are a mix of classic kids’ shows, ’80s nostalgia, indie cinema, and sci-fi movies. The special effects and practical effects combine to create a world that feels immersive and authentic.
By exploring the show’s inspirations, we can gain a deeper understanding of what made Stranger Things possible to create. Whether you’re a nerd, a bookworm, or a ’80s kid like the Duffer Brothers, the show is sure to captivate and frighten audiences alike.