Reviews For Stranger Things Season 4 Are In And Critics Say It's 'Frightening' And 'Gory'

Reviews for the fourth season of Stranger Things have started to trickle in and they're a bit of a mixed bag.

There's only a few short days left until our television screens are graced with the sci-fi nostalgia horrorfest that has captivated people all over the world.

There's been a lot of chatter about Stranger Things delving further into the horror genre and it seems like fans will be impressed.

But don't take our word for it. Instead, take Variety critic Caroline Framke's.

"The new Hawkins beast - which Dustin accurately calls out as a Freddy Krueger facsimile - feels more tactile and viscerally frightening as he preys on teen trauma,” Framke said.

The AV Club's Saloni Gajjar added: "Easily the most exciting aspect of season four is how it embraces gore like never before. Even the show’s harshest critic will be swayed by that perfect blend of creepy and fun sci-fi.

"This time, there’s a haunted house, bone-shattering death scenes, a tentacled villain nicknamed Vecna who speaks in a baritone voice, and a huge homage to A Nightmare On Elm Street in how Vecna functions."

Netflix.

However, it can't all be amazing and incredible. There is some downside to the new season.

Critics have hit out at the monster length of some episodes and have questioned whether it is even possible to watch the fourth season and still enjoy it.

Den of Geek critic Alec Bojalad said: "The experience of watching Stranger Things season four, particularly when binged, can quickly turn into a slog of synths and sparkling lights."

"Even when the content onscreen is interesting, scenes can go on for several beats too long or in some cases make clear that they never should have been included in the first place."

But that's just one opinion. Inverse's Eric Francisco didn't feel it drag on too much.

"These first seven chapters are meaty, not just in story but in length," Francisco said.

"They’re all a solid hour-long (get comfy), but unlike most instances of Netflix bloat, there’s hardly [any] excess. Everything matters, however big or small."

Netflix.

So, be prepared to break up the bingeing - it doesn't have to be a marathon - or make sure you get bloody well comfortable before tuning in.

With each episode reportedly costing Netflix about $30 million ($AUD 42 million, £24 million), you can bet your bottom dollar that the effects are mind-blowingly impressive.

And, despite the cast being scattered around America (and the world, we’re looking at you, Hopper) this season, it doesn't mean we aren't going to see a ripper performance.

Notably, Sadie Sink as Max and Maya Hawke's Robin have the tendency to steal scenes.

Oh, and Steve (Joe Keery) and Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) are back for another adventure as the show’s charming dynamic duo.

But as we said earlier, don't take our word for it. It's been rated at 93 per cent by Rotten Tomatoes.

They've also compiled an epic list of reviews to whet your appetite.

Stranger Things 4 Volume 1 drops on Friday (May 27) with Volume 2 hitting screens on July 1.

Topics: Stranger Things, TV and Film, Netflix

Rachel Lang

Rachel Lang is a Digital Journalist at LADbible. During her career, she has interviewed Aussie PM Malcolm Turnbull in the lead up to the 2016 federal election, ran an editorial campaign on the war in Yemen, and reported on homelessness in the lead-up to Harry and Meghan’s wedding in Windsor. She also once wrote a yarn on the cheese and wine version of Fyre Festival.

@rlangjournalist