Stranger Things Season 4: Volume 1 Review - 6 Ups & 4 Downs

2. It's Full Of Nods To Classic Horror

Stranger Things has always been a sci-fi horror series, but season four truly ramps up the horror, such that fans of the genre's classic entries are sure to have great fun pointing out the various touchstones invoked throughout.

Most obviously, antagonist Vecna's ability to distort his victims' realities and prey on their fears is extremely reminiscent of A Nightmare on Elm Street's Freddy Krueger.

To further hammer the point home, iconic Freddy Krueger actor Robert Englund even has a terrific cameo as a blind man accused of murdering his own family.

Elsewhere there are blatant references to The Silence of the Lambs, Hellraiser, and numerous Stephen King texts, with a certain creepy house bearing a surely intentional resemblance to the Neibolt house from King's It.

All in all these references make it clear beyond any remaining doubt that the Duffer Brothers have a real affection for the genre. You love to see it.