After an unforgettable nine-year run and 42 episodes, Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things bids farewell with a grand finale that blends high-stakes action, emotional goodbyes, and a touch of nostalgia. The concluding chapter, titled The Rightside Up, marks the end of Hawkins’ long battle against the horrors of the Upside Down — and while the ending is satisfying, it plays things safe, leaving fans with lingering questions.
Story
The final episode sees the Hawkins crew confronting their greatest threat yet: Vecna, also known as Henry Creel (Jamie Campbell Bower). Determined to end his reign once and for all, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) teams up with Kali (Linnea Berthelsen) and Max (Sadie Sink) to invade Vecna’s mind, while Hopper (David Harbour) and the rest of the group dive into the Abyss to rescue kidnapped children. Meanwhile, the U.S. military and Dr. Kay (Linda Hamilton) complicate matters with their own agendas.
The Duffer Brothers, who both wrote and directed the finale, weave in clever nods to earlier seasons, from flashbacks to subtle visual parallels. The return of the Mind Flayer adds tension, though its menace feels diminished compared to past seasons. The episode balances large-scale battles with quieter moments, culminating in an 18-month-later epilogue that mirrors the show’s very first episode.
Performances
Jamie Campbell Bower commands the screen as Vecna, blending menace with glimpses of Henry’s lost humanity. Millie Bobby Brown once again proves to be the emotional core of the series, delivering a powerful performance in Eleven’s climactic confrontation. David Harbour and Winona Ryder bring warmth and grit to Hopper and Joyce, while Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, and Noah Schnapp receive fitting send-offs for their characters.
Natalia Dyer’s Nancy gets her standout action moment, but Linda Hamilton’s role feels underutilized. Smaller players like Priah Ferguson’s Erica and Jake Connelly’s Derek add humor and charm, stealing scenes despite limited screen time.
Behind the Scenes
The finale leans heavily on nostalgic music cues, with tracks from Prince (When Doves Cry, Purple Rain) and David Bowie (Heroes). While they add atmosphere, nothing quite matches the iconic Season 4 use of Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill. The Duffer Brothers’ storytelling here is polished and heartfelt, though the “safe” resolution may divide fans who hoped for more risks in the ending.
Final Verdict
At two hours and eight minutes, the Stranger Things Season 5 finale delivers an engaging, emotional farewell, tying up most storylines while leaving enough loose ends for fan theories to thrive. It’s an ending that honors the journey, celebrates the ensemble cast, and closes the chapter on Hawkins as the Party steps into adulthood.
Rating: ★★★★☆ – A heartfelt goodbye that plays within the lines.
Millie Bobby Brown Embraces Action Hero Spirit in “Stranger Things 5” Finale
”Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2″ Review: Powers, Peril & the Ultimate Hawkins Showdown!
