Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Fantasy/ Horror
With the very last episode, the Duffer Brothers have achieved the seemingly impossible: ending a global phenomenon that is emotionally satisfying, terrifying and hopeful all at once. While the title, “The Rightside Up” is a direct nod to the first season, here it marks the definitive shift from darkness to restoration.
The heart of the episode lies not with the monsters, but with the characters we have all grown to love over the past ten years. The evolution of “The Party” comes to a beautiful climax. The chemistry between Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin and Lucas is more palpable than ever. In this episode we see how the traumas of the past (especially those of Will and Eleven) are finally transformed into strength. The scene in which the group reunites for the last time in the Wheeler family basement feels like a warm blanket for fans from the very beginning.
Technically speaking, this episode is a highlight. The integration of practical effects with CGI is seamless. The transformation of Hawkins – from a besieged town teetering on the brin of destruction to a place of reconstruction – is beautifully captured. The cinematography uses color to symbolize the victory of Vecna: the suffocating red and gray tones of the Upside Down slowly give way to the warm, golden light of a new morning.
Millie Bobby Brown really shines in this episode. Eleven’s confrontation with the ultimate evils is not only a display of brute force, but one of emotional maturity. The way she protects her found family perfectly completes her arc as a character. I loved the more intimate moments she had with Mike and Especially Hopper. Another actor I really want to spotlight is Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna/ Henry Creel/ Mr. Whatsit. His performance really blew me away and he was cast perfectly. Is it crazy to say he should win an Emmy for this?
There are so many moments in this episode that really got me, emotionally. As previously stated, the scenes between Hopper and Eleven really moved me. That moment were Steve fell, I literally stopped breathing. And how perfect was it that it was Jonathan, of all people, who caught him. The final battle was epic. Nancy really taking the lead in this, she was so good. And I felt like the Duffer Brothers choose the perfect character to finish Vecna off: Joyce. She got her moment and took it with both hands. And Eleven sacrificing herself to save everyone, was the way it was meant to be. Aside from her (and Mike), everyone got a happy ending.
The part that got me the most, was that final epilogue, which was about 50 minutes of this finale. This part will only really hit you if you’ve been part of this fandom since the beginning and you feel emotionally connected with these characters. From the heart to heart between Hopper and Mike, Dustin’s graduation speech (with an ode to Eddie, Dustin did exactly what Eddie wanted to do. And they played “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden), finding out Steve is a teacher and little league baseball coach, Hopper and Joyce finally having that Enzo date and the final toast that Jonathan, Nancy, Robin and Steve made agreeing on meeting each other once a month. Non-stop cries. But that very last scene is what hit me the hardest. Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will and Max playing one final game of Dungeons & Dragons. The show ends where it all started in 2016. And I know these kids can cry on cue, but I believe that everyone was actually showing their genuine feelings right at that moment (same for the rooftop scene by the way). And I couldn’t stop crying either.
The music was also on point. Off course the iconic synthesizers of Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein. But they chose some epic songs; “When Doves Cry” and “Purple Rain” by Prince, “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac and using “Heroes” by David Bowie for the end credits (which are also worth watching until the end).
People who complained about this show’s final season, surely watched a different show and never really cared for these characters. “The Rightside Up” is more than just the end of a series; it’s a tribute to friendship, growing up and the power of hope against darkness. The episode takes the time for an extensive epilogue, allowing us to truly say goodbye to Hawkins”. Stranger Things” end here, but it will leave a lasting impression on my life.
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