Genre The main genres of Stranger Things are Science Fiction and Fantasy, however has sub- genres such as the supernatural, mystery and horror. Even though the programme in its own way doesn’t fit the typical sci-fi theme with its ongoing references to the 1980s, it would be stereotypical to peoples expectations to categorize it under one heading such as horror. This being because the narrative does not represent the typical aspects of a horror with blood, gore, death etc.

Identify the programme as ‘drama’ Stranger things was written and directed by Matt and Ross Duffer, known and the Duffer brothers. The producer was Shawn Levy and was produced by companies Twenty One Laps Entertainment and Monkey Massacre. The shown was released on Netflix as a one-season series in 2016. In order to be able to identity a programme as drama there are certain criteria it must meet in terms of the type of category it is based on, such as costume, political, domestic, comedic and courtroom. Stranger things is a costume drama as it portrays many aspects of the 1980s by relating to the costumes, music and certain location designs such as cafes and schools, making it represent a historic time period.

Narrative Structure Overall Stranger Things is a surrealism type of series. This can be shown from how aliens and fictional aspects within series the are mixed in the plot. Further more its easy to identify how characters develop as the narrative and story move forward. And each character has some what of a purpose, being to save Will. However in Nancy’s case she grows guilt and finds a purpose to find her friend Barb as she believes that loosing Barb was her fault. But I believe all the characters carry some type guilt and try to find a form of hope to find the missing people mostly Will. Through the series though the majority of the story line, is linear however very minor aspects of non- linear takes place because we are able to see past memories of eleven and how she was treated as a science experiment by her father, and circumstances she is under makes her recall these unpleasant memories.

Film Language Sound Editing Mise en scene The music composed for the theme song sets a tone which is ominous and intriguing as it starts slow and develops to a steady climax which works alongside the onscreen graphics. After the first episode it creates a feeling that you want to carry on watching as it almost captures the images you’d seen in the previous episode and create suspense that makes you want to carry on to watch more episodes. Editing Then after the climax from seeing the series title “Stranger Things”, it continues to show the episodes name ( chapter ), and a masking technique of editing is used. This is where the screen is zoomed in from the lettering beginning to change into the scene as it continues into the first clip. Mise en scene Costumes – The retro and urban fashion style which was popular in the 80’s is consistent through out Stranger Things, gives nostalgia to older viewers from how they reflect it in the form of costumes, hair, accessories such as glasses, and technology which is pre-technology development.

Film Language Cinematography The lighting throughout the episodes is generally low-key to create a suppressive scene, reflecting Will’s disappearance, Barb’s disappearance and the overall eerie-ness of the narrative. The lighting used does not look manufactured through studio lighting and modern day filming, it looks natural and reflective of the location in which it was filmed. Furthermore, the wooded areas surrounding the suburban areas of which it was filmed, would not have bright city street lights whereas it was sourced from houses and natural things such as the sky i.e. the moon. But we can assume that minor studio lights could have been used in certain screens. For example, a bright white flood light could represent the moon over the character of Will as he cycled home from his friends house in the first episode.