Matt Duffer of Stranger Things Shares Insights on the Autobiographical Nature of Season 4: High School Presented Significant Challenges
Matt Duffer reveals why Stranger Things Season 4 was autobiographical (Image credit: Netflix)
During the promotional activities for Stranger Things Season 5, the creators and twin siblings Matt and Ross Duffer are sharing their insights regarding the Netflix series and the extent to which their personal experiences are reflected in it. Previously, they disclosed that they felt a strong connection to the character of Mike Wheeler, portrayed by Finn Wolfhard. In a recent interview, Matt Duffer mentioned that the atmosphere of Season 4 and the more somber high school experiences were drawn from their own lives.
Matt Duffer explains the autobiographical nature of Stranger Things Season 4
In a conversation with Variety, Matt and Ross discussed how their childhood memories influenced their writing. Ross remarked, “The camaraderie among the young characters resonates most with our own experiences. We had a tight-knit circle of friends. We engaged in Magic: The Gathering, played video games, created films, and embarked on adventures in the woods. Much of our early years was about recalling those feelings and reconnecting with that sense of nostalgia.”
Matt elaborated, “Season 4 was the most reflective of our own lives, particularly regarding the challenges we faced in high school. While no single character mirrored us exactly, Max’s journey served as a means for us to express what high school was like for us, as well as what the boys experienced.”
Having grown up in the 1980s, the decade in which the series is set, the twin filmmakers noted that students often felt isolated if they didn’t belong to a particular group. Matt added, “Back then, mental health was not widely discussed. It wasn’t a topic anyone addressed. Reflecting on it now, I can comprehend what I was experiencing. However, it’s more frightening when you can’t grasp what’s happening to you. You just sense that something is off. The most rewarding aspect of this show for me is when young viewers or teenagers approach me, some of whom are now older, and express that the show helped them navigate those challenging times.”
The fourth season of Stranger Things depicted Vecna (Jaime Campbell Bower) targeting Max (Sadie Sink) as his fourth victim, subjecting her to hallucinations and ominous signs. Already struggling with the loss of her stepbrother Billy (Dacre Montgomery), Max withdraws from her friends and family. The Netflix series is set to launch its final season on November 26 at 5 pm PT (November 27 at 6:30 am in India).
