What Is the Story About?
Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 (created by the Duffer Brothers) picks up in the fall of 1987, about 18 months after Vecna’s final, devastating attack tore open the Upside Down, leaving Hawkins under a chaotic military quarantine. The town is physically scarred by the massive rifts, and Vecna himself has vanished, forcing the reunited heroes to devise a desperate plan to find and kill him before the looming, final battle destroys their world.
Eleven, still being hunted by the government and a new, formidable scientist named Dr. Kay, goes into hiding with Hopper and Joyce to train, pushing her newly restored powers to their limits for the ultimate showdown.
Meanwhile, the rest of the group, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, Nancy, Steve, Robin, and Jonathan, work covertly to track Vecna’s location in the Upside Down, using the radio station to coordinate dangerous “crawls” into the alternate dimension.
The mission is complicated when Vecna begins using his psychological manipulation to abduct more children, including Mike’s younger sister, Holly, drawing the Wheeler family into the heart of the conflict. The volume culminates in a desperate battle against a horde of Demogorgons and Vecna’s forces, where Will Byers, the show’s original victim, discovers a shocking, newfound power tied to his traumatic link with the villain, hinting that he may hold the key to turning the tide in the final war.
Performances?
Right from the get-go, fans believed that Will Byers holds the final key to take down Vecna for good. And Noah Schnapp doesn’t disappoint. Compared to his previous portrayals of Will in past seasons, this time Will looks braver and more confident.
From his first vision in Episode 1 to the showdown in Episode 4, we can clearly see that Will, after all this time, still carries the burden of being Vecna’s very first victim. But by the end, we see a new Will Byers, a shocking moment in the finale where he asserts his mental dominance over the Demogorgons and tears them apart in an instant. Noah Schnapp does a wonderful job of showcasing a wide range of emotions.
Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven finally starts to realise how important she is, and how important her powers are to her loved ones in their impending battle against Vecna. We also see her becoming obsessed with finding and killing Vecna, something which often puts her in a complex father-daughter dynamic with Hopper (David Harbour). Her growth is expressed through subdued power and determination rather than the explosive emotional outbursts of previous seasons.
Analysis
Unlike Season 4, which received noticeable criticism for being a bit slow-paced and focusing more on subplots, Volume 1 of Season 5 wastes no time getting to the point. This volume is a tight, intense ride that centres the story back on the O.G. crew while upping the emotional and horror ante.
Thanks to the rumours and insane fan theories spreading online, Volume 1 clearly proves that the Duffer Brothers have established Will Byers as the key to the endgame. The opening scene, a flashback showing a Demogorgon delivering Will to Vecna in 1983, immediately tells us that Will was never just a victim, but an integral part of Vecna’s master plan. This finally pays off years of lingering questions and emotional turmoil for the character.
The story quickly establishes that Vecna is hunting small children, starting with Mike’s little sister, Holly, to use as “perfect vessels” (he needs 12 in total! Look at the irony!). This is a seriously dark twist that brings the horror closer to home than ever before, forcing Mike and Nancy’s parents, Ted and Karen, right into the line of fire.
At this point, it is safe to elevate Noah Schnapp’s character from “Will the Wise” to “Will the Sorcerer”. Just when we start thinking that things couldn’t get more wrong in the final episode, Will smartly and bravely uses his old connection to the hive mind to unlock a new superpower, allowing him not only to see inside Vecna’s mind, but also to use some of his powers.
The introduction of the intense new military scientist, Dr Kay (Linda Hamilton), and her ruthless Wolfpack adds a menacing human layer to the conflict. Plus, the shocking return of Kali/Eight (Linnea Berthelsen) as the military’s secret “Kryptonite” throws a massive curveball into Eleven’s journey.
Volume 1 of Season 5 raises the stakes to the highest levels possible. This chapter is more serious and intense than ever, yet still manages to fit in moments of classic Stranger Things heart, like the sweet, awkward dynamic between Will and Robin, and the emotional subplot surrounding Dustin’s grief over Eddie.
Speaking of Dustin, while his grief is understandable, his uncharacteristic lashing out and picking fights sometimes feels out of sync with his established nerdy, rational character, even if it’s meant to show his trauma.
However, here lies the main issue: the snappy pacing and tight editing of Volume 1 may function as a double-edged sword for viewers. Some may praise this approach, as it makes Volume 1 more thrilling and adventurous than Season 4, which was too long or slow for a noticeable section of viewers. However, it doesn’t provide proper depth to some new characters, such as Dr Kay, who, despite looking solid, comes across as one-dimensional. It will be interesting to see what she really wants and why she is so hell-bent on capturing Eleven.
Furthermore, the unresolved Nancy/Jonathan/Steve love triangle occasionally strains the performances of the actors involved, momentarily distracting from the apocalypse.
The direction from the Duffer Brothers (Episodes 1, 2, and 4) and Frank Darabont (Episode 3) looks gripping and tight. These guys showcase the oppressive feeling of Hawkins’ residents inside a military quarantine zone, a setting with a surprisingly high soldier-to-resident ratio (again, Robin’s words!), but never really explore it in more depth.
They keep the majority of their focus on the O.G. gang, wasting no time, while also providing some room for newly budding dynamics, such as Will and his little sister Holly, Will and Robin, and more.
The action sequences are perfectly spaced. The Demogorgon attack on the Wheeler house, horrifically injuring Karen and Ted and abducting Holly, happens early on, instantly escalating the personal stakes. The volume then barrels towards the final showdown, culminating in the massive, fist-pumping spectacle where Will finally unlocks his power.
While the action is huge, the direction is careful not to lose the characters. The emotional scene between Lucas and Max, who remains in a coma, and the focus on Dustin’s angry, grieving behaviour highlight the lasting trauma, grounding the sci-fi spectacle in authentic emotion.
But again, at the end of the day, we have only the first volume of the final saga. This means don’t expect a satisfying conclusion to Volume 1. Yes, it ends on a highly exciting and optimistic note, but some important subplots remain unresolved.
What will happen to Eleven and Hopper, as the former discovers her long-lost sister, Eight, whom Dr Kay was using as Eleven’s “Kryptonite”? Will Eight support Eleven, or will she betray and abandon her like Eleven abandoned her in Season 2? How powerful is Will actually? Will he be the one to take down Vecna once and for all? What about his unexpressed feelings for Mike?
What about Robin and her girlfriend? Will they finally get their date night? And what about the love triangle among Nancy, Steve, and Jonathan? What will happen to Holly and Sam, who are still trapped inside Henry’s mental projection? Will Lucas survive?
We are sure all these questions are still lingering in your minds after watching the finale. Let’s hope the upcoming volumes close the saga on an epic and highly satisfying note.
Overall, Stranger Things 5 Volume 1 is a dark, intense and emotionally charged return that places Will Byers firmly at the heart of the endgame. With tighter pacing, higher stakes and a stronger focus on the original gang, the series trades slow burn for urgency, blending horror with heartfelt character moments. Though some characters lack depth, the volume delivers powerful spectacle, psychological tension and a bold setup for an epic conclusion.
Music and Other Departments?
The score by Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon doesn’t disappoint. Season 5’s score still treasures that classic, nostalgic, feel-good, synth-heavy, pulsating feel, but it’s noticeably darker and more urgent. Themes previously associated with fear and the Upside Down now feel like war anthems.
While the series is famous for its ’80s hits, this volume uses them strategically to enhance emotional or action-heavy scenes rather than relying on pure throwback nostalgia.
The sound design, particularly during scenes showcasing Hawkins’ military quarantine, is phenomenal. The constant low thrum of jets, radio static, and the muffled chatter of military personnel create an oppressive atmosphere.
Crucially, the sounds of the Upside Down, particularly the wet, clicking sounds of the Demogorgons and Vecna’s haunting, manipulative whispers, are more immediate and terrifying than ever, reminding the audience that the barrier between worlds has collapsed.
The camerawork is more dynamic and grounded, utilising handheld shots during the action sequences to give a sense of chaos and immediacy. When shooting the military-occupied Hawkins, the look is often cold and bluish, emphasising the sense of isolation. Conversely, the Upside Down is rendered with a breathtaking, sickly orange-red glow, making the atmosphere feel thick, dangerous, and physically invasive.
This increased focus on practical set design makes the danger feel real, unlike earlier seasons where the Upside Down was a distinct location. The sets, like the destroyed Byers house and the tense military headquarters, communicate the massive scale of the disaster immediately.
The VFX team has done excellent work ensuring that the CGI, specifically the Demogorgons, Vecna’s monstrous form, and the collapsing environment of the Upside Down, blends perfectly with the practical sets and make-up effects. This makes the horror feel tactile, even as the scale increases.
Other Artists?
Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, and Caleb McLaughlin (Mike, Dustin, and Lucas), the golden trio, despite the age difference from their characters, seamlessly recapture the goofy, earnest chemistry of the original party. McLaughlin is a standout, particularly in scenes showing his devotion and grief at Max’s (Sadie Sink) hospital bedside.
We also witness a darker and more serious version of Dustin (Matarazzo), who is often portrayed as a nerdy, optimistic, clever, and standing-up-for-what’s-right guy, due to the toll Eddie’s tragic and epic sacrifice took on him.
Maya Hawke as Robin is a delight to watch this season. Her youthful energy and motormouthed wit provide much-needed comic relief and essential emotional intelligence, especially in intense and high-stakes scenarios. On the other hand, Natalia Dyer as Nancy delivers a highly emotionally charged performance, especially in the first two episodes, after learning about her parents being attacked by one of Vecna’s Demogorgons, along with her complicated love triangle with Steve (Joe Keery) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton).
The dynamic between Jonathan and Steve heavily leans more towards the immaturity of their romantic competition for Nancy’s attention. In Robin’s own words, Nancy does bring out their “inner Neanderthals.”
The arc between David Harbour’s Hopper and Winona Ryder’s Joyce feels more like a pair of exhausted yet determined survivors who want to protect their loved ones at whatever cost required, rather than complete lovebirds, which is great to see.
Jamie Campbell Bower’s performance as Henry (aka Vecna), though mostly voice-acting and physical presence, continues to embody persistent, calculating trauma and evil. He retains his unsettling, manipulative gravitas, driving the stakes of the final confrontation.
Linda Hamilton as Dr Kay is a refreshing and exciting addition to the show. Her character does possess some traits of an aged Sarah Connor from the Terminator franchise. But Dr Kay doesn’t have parental feelings towards Eleven like Dr Brenner has, nor is she kind-hearted like Dr Owens; she just wants to get her hands on Eleven by whatever means necessary. This means her character could become meaner and more dangerous in the upcoming parts of Season 5, which would be exciting to see.
Highlights?
Pacing is vastly improved
Will Byers is Re-centered
High Emotional Stakes
Excellent Technical Production
Strong Character Dynamics
Tension-Filled Military Plot
Drawbacks?
Love Triangle Lingers (Nancy/Jonathan/Steve)
Lack of depth to Dr. Kay’s character
Vecna’s Full Plan Delayed
Incomplete Ending
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, absolutely. The volume is a delightful and cinematic ride thanks to its vastly improved pacing, high emotional stakes, and top-tier technical production, making it a powerful start to the final season.Will You Recommend It?
Without question, yes. It is a must-watch for fans, as it successfully re-centers Will’s story and delivers a visually stunning spectacle that resolves past pacing issues, making it a strong, definitive recommendation.
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