It is always hard to not expect a lot when the hype is so great, having heard nothing but good things about it from trusted friends. Also if the concept is so appetising and if the genre appeals (it did me). 'Stranger Things' in particularly its first season was a truly excellent show at its very best, and while it is not as good now as it was there is still enough to make it one of Netflix's better shows along with 'The Crown' and prime-'House of Cards' (Seasons 1-4).
"Chapter 1: The Vanishing of Will Byers" is a captivating start, and not only is it hugely effective setting things up and introducing all the chess pieces but it is clear what kind of show and tone that 'Stranger Things' was aiming for. Almost everything works here in "Chapter 1: The Vanishing of Will Byers" and it already feels remarkably well settled, not always the case for shows this early on where it can take time to find its groove. Already the groove here feels found.
The production values are superb. Very stylish and atmospheric, with some truly beautiful images that one can't believe such high quality comes from a Netflix show. Not to mention the highly impressive special effects that put a good deal of big budget films in recent years to shame. The music has a wonderful 80s nostalgic vibe while also being quite haunting, enhancing the atmosphere beautifully.
Writing is thought-probing and has a lot of brains and heart. The humour is gentle but very subtly witty and funny, while there is a poignancy (without being too sentimental) and tension. The story sets things, both in events and tone, up and does this incredibly well, while always being intriguing. With suspenseful mystery, darkly creepy horror, inventive sci-fi and 'Stand By Me'/'The Goonies'-like nostalgia, without being tonally muddled.
Characters are already very well written and even better in the acting stakes. While most of the adult cast do wonderfully, it's the younger cast that are even better. The standouts being Finn Wolfhard and particularly Millie Bobby Brown (such an expressive actress in a beyond-her-years subtle way), if they continue to act this way and be wise with their career choices they are very likely to have big careers.
Although some have praised Winona Ryder, for my tastes however she was a little too melodramatic here.
Overall, excellent start. 9/10