Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 Review: Hawkins faces its darkest threat yet in final season

Stranger Things

‘Stranger Things Season 5 volume 1,’ directed by The Duffer Brothers, began streaming on Netflix from 28th November and stars Millie Bobby Brown, Jamie Campbell Bower, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder and David Harbour.

‘Stranger Things’ comes back with its final season, and Volume One makes it clear why this show has been so beloved. Picking up after the shocking events of Season 4, the story immediately raises the stakes, offering a mix of horror, adventure, and heartfelt moments. The episodes are intense and packed with action, yet they retain the nostalgic charm fans have grown to love.

A bold return to Hawkins

The tone is familiar but bolder, signalling a series heading toward a final, climactic battle. Long-time viewers will notice the larger scale of the threats and the deeper mysteries now unfolding. All four episodes of Volume One feel important, like a piece of a bigger puzzle that has been building for years. The anticipation of what comes next keeps you glued to the screen, and the sense of excitement is contagious.

Hawkins under siege

Hawkins is now under strict military control after Vecna’s (Jamie Campbell Bower) portal opened wide in the previous season, leaving the town vulnerable and under lockdown. Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) is training to regain her powers and prepare for the inevitable confrontation with Vecna. Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Will (Noah Schnapp), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), and Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) continue their daily lives at school while still helping Eleven behind the scenes. Max (Sadie Sink) remains in a Vecna-induced coma, creating an emotional anchor for the group. Older characters like Nancy (Natalia Dyer), Robin (Maya Hawke), Steve (Joe Keery), Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), Joyce (Winona Ryder), and Hopper (David Harbour) are coordinating an underground resistance, communicating secretly via radios and tunnels to stay one step ahead. Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher) also emerges with her own small but important role, adding fresh energy to the group’s mission. Each character faces personal challenges while contributing to the larger effort to stop Vecna and protect Hawkins.

High stakes and emotional moments

Stranger Things Volume One is ambitious, maybe even a little overwhelming at times. The show juggles many characters and storylines, and occasionally the action overshadows the narrative. Still, it succeeds in creating tension and delivering emotional payoffs, especially in scenes that focus on long-standing friendships and family bonds. Some story threads feel stretched or confusing, but the season often rewards viewers who stick with it. It blends horror, suspense, and drama in ways that make you feel both excited and emotionally invested. While a few sequences lean too heavily on spectacle, the heartfelt moments keep the story grounded. Overall, Volume One balances chaos with connection, making it a thrilling experience.

Strong performances elevate the season

Noah Schnapp (Will) and Sadie Sink (Max) stand out in intense emotional scenes, while Maya Hawke (Robin) brings energy and charm to her role. Nell Fisher (Holly Wheeler) adds unpredictability and a fresh perspective to the story. Winona Ryder (Joyce) and David Harbour (Hopper) provide stability and depth, grounding the chaos of Hawkins with relatable emotional moments. The chemistry between veteran cast members and newcomers feels natural, making the relationships believable even under extreme circumstances. These performances give the show heart, raising even over-the-top action sequences and fantastical events into something audiences can connect with. The actors make the stakes feel real, ensuring the excitement is paired with genuine emotion.

A thrilling, imperfect finale begins

‘Stranger Things Season 5 Volume One’ is exciting, even if it isn’t perfect. Its mix of suspense, adventure, and nostalgia keeps fans engaged, despite moments of narrative overload. Some plot points and character moments feel stretched, but the season still delivers memorable highs and sets the stage for a gripping finale. It reminds viewers of the show’s biggest strengths: relatable characters, imaginative horror, and emotional payoffs earned over almost a decade of storytelling. The balance of fan service, surprises, and new developments keeps the series moving forward without losing its identity. For anyone who has followed Hawkins’ story, this volume is a thrilling, energy-filled ride that makes it clear why the series has remained so popular for nearly a decade.

Rating: 3.5/5