The Duffer Brothers admit that Strange things references a lot of popular 80s movies, but they don’t think that’s the reason why the Netflix series are so popular.
“If the show just works out of nostalgia you feel like bringing back that particular piece of music or referencing that moment in a movie you love,” Matt Duffer speak New York Times“Well then, it won’t work with a 10-year-old.”
Ross Duffer says they celebrate iconic films but adds that it’s more important to “find a way to tell .” this story and tell it well. “
The Duffer Brothers have been criticized for excessive directing by filmmakers such as Steven Spielbergwith New York Times described early criticism of the show as saying it was “like an 80s karaoke bar”. The article mentions one of Strange things‘the biggest critics, Slate Writer Willa Paskinwho wrote that the series “misunderstands a major element of Spielberg’s work.”
Duffers’ Mentor M. Night Shyamalan also think the brothers have a way to go, saying, “I think their style will continue to evolve.”
