Netflix’s new monster mystery Stranger Things premiered exclusively on the streaming service on July 15. The American science fiction web television series recaptures the vibe of horror and adventure films such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind, with numerous references and allusions from the 80’s time period weaved into a mysterious tapestry.

The show’s wholly unique and utterly engrossing creatures draw viewers into the mysterious aura surrounding the show.

“I kept feeling like something was gonna happen. At any second the creature could come up and take you,” senior Jaquan Garcia said.

Moreover, the overall plot revolves around the disappearance of young Will Byers  from Hawkins, Indiana in 1983 as his family, three misfit friends, and the town sheriff look for answers.

Instead, they stumble across a unexplainable and horrific chain of events. For example, more people start to mysteriously disappear and the town’s population slowly starts to dwindle. Stranger Things even cultivates a wonderfully dark intro from the start, first with an 80’s feel then with a distinct soundtrack and neon letters in the opening titles.  The series resembles a “kids with bikes” type of adventure like the darker moments in highly acclaimed science fiction films such as E.T. and The Goonies. The middle school boys’ nerdy tendencies coupled with their pop-culture references make them immediately endearing and lovable. However, their charming nature makes the danger they face more intense, as the audience easily becomes emotionally invested in them.

To continue, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin (AKA “Toothless”) will most likely become viewer’s instant favorite with his harmless look, exuberantly geeky personality, and constant swearing. Furthermore, all the kids in the cast excel in their roles and bring their own dynamic to their fellowship. Finn Wolfhard acts solidly as Mike, the awkward leader of the group, alongside Caleb McLaughlin who plays the fiery but level-headed Lucas.

Stranger Things incorporates gorgeous supernatural environments, creature desi, and a brilliant cast. The first episodes certainly built tension without giving anything away too easily, and sci-fi horror fans love the references to 80s classics and even the other-worldly monster himself.

The Chants Grade: A-