There’s no denying the similarities between this retro suspense thriller and Netflix’s juggernaut “Stranger Things.” The movie’s structure, which follows a group of four teenage boys ‘investigating’ a nefarious mystery hiding in plain sight in 1980s American suburbia, is strikingly similar to that of the show, as is the fetishized attention to 1980s detail, the omnipresent retro-synth score, and recurring references to classic 1980s pop culture. Nevertheless, the similarities end once the narrative really kicks in, and the rest of the movie is a compelling, unpredictable and impressively nerve-jangling thriller. It’s best to go in with little context and no spoilers because so much of the fun here is experiencing the movie on its own terms, and it’s a remarkable accomplishment for all.
Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)
