This is a drama about a gang of teens set in a fictive 1980s town of Hawkins. The atmosphere from 80s is recreated in a phenomenal way includes clothes, hobbies, music and behaviours. For those that lived during these time it is a fantastic time machine full of nostalgic memories. So on the surface it is a super col sci-fi drama with teens set in the 1980s. Even the special effects seems authentic without overloads of CGI.

On a deeper level, the series is also an expression for the longing for a lost security and a more traditional America, symbolized by the small town of Hawkins.

The first season is about how the security of the childhood disappears as the teenagers meet a supernatural evil force, while the second season is about their struggle trying to cope with the trauma and also how to be able to carry this secret experience and thereby being different from from others.

The origin of the trauma is that the government has done secret experiments above above public knowledge and instead of admitting their mistakes leading to the evil force, and is trying to cover up and mislead the situation.

Here it is easy to draw parallells from this to the ongoing changes in our society where our known world is challenged by new forces like technological changes, terrorism, migration and cultural tensions, political misuse of power etc etc. Where the common answer from authorities often are: don't worry trust us, we have it under control. While the truth often is nobody has a clue what is really going on..

As the story progresses, the helper/hero in this, "Eleven" becomes more and more normal. From at the beginning of the story be viewed as a freak in the periphery, "Eleven" moves into the centre as more normal. Being more accepted. Also a good parallell to whistleblowers that gain more acceptance and credibility when it becomes much harder to hide the harsh reality.

So, it is a great series with many levels. Very well produced and intensely thrilling. Looking forward to season three.