By
Rianna de Bono-Smith
Published 18 minutes ago
Rianna is the Movie News Editor for ScreenRant. After earning her BA in Film Studies, she began her career as an entertainment writer, contributing to several publications before joining ScreenRant. Her dissertation on the impact of streaming on traditional cinema sharpened her focus on the ever-evolving world of film and media. With 6 years in the industry, Rianna continues to cover the stories she loves while also advocating for awareness and representation of rare disabilities, such as Moebius Syndrome, which she lives with.
Sign in to your ScreenRant account
Summary
Generate a summary of this story
follow
Follow
followed
Followed
Like
Like
Thread
Log in
Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents:
Try something different:
Show me the facts
Explain it like I’m 5
Give me a lighthearted recap
Major spoilers for Stranger Things season 5, volume 1
Stranger Things season 5, volume 1 has officially been released, and fans are clamoring for any news, theories, or to know the fate of their favorite character.
In an interview with Variety, Stranger Things creators Ross and Matt Duffer expanded on what fans saw during Volume 1, including Max Mayfield’s (played by Sadie Sink) fate. Matt stated that Max not being shown in the first couple of episodes was intentional and thought "episode 3 felt like the right time." Ross continued and stated:
"From the end of Season 4, when we kept her in the coma, we knew she was trapped in Vecna’s mindscape, and we knew that was going to be part of her journey, at least for Season 5. But it finally clicked when we realized that Holly could be there as well, and then the other kids. That’s when her storyline really came to life."
Matt added that he took inspiration from the 2000 movie The Cell and said:
"It’s such a great concept, because they enter the mind of a serial killer. It was the closest thing we could think of that parallels what we were doing. Our serial killer mindscape ends up being pretty different, but it’s probably why we ended up having a desert in there. A lot of desert sequences in 'The Cell.'"
Max suffered at the hands of Vecna due to her step-brother Billy’s death during season 3. The aftermath of his death left her vulnerable to Vecna and ultimately led her to the brink of death and comatose at the end of season 4.
During volume 1, Max is stuck in Vecna’s mindscape, which Holly Wheeler (played by Nell Fisher) nicknamed Camazotz. With Max trapped and hidden in a cave system that Henry/Vecna doesn’t dare to enter, she was nearly able to escape when Lucas played her favorite song, Kate Bush’s "Running Up That Hill."
Max and Holly in Stranger Things season 5Image via Netflix
Unfortunately for Max, the portal closed before she could cross over, which means their trick of music isn’t strong enough to escape Vecna’s grasp and mindscape. Max’s alliance with Holly could be a key turning point for everyone as she plans her escape and Vecna’s undoing.
Holly and Max are one of several children held captive, which makes the heroes of Hawkin’s plans that much more crucial as the gang learns that Vecna targets children, as their minds are much easier to manipulate.
Stranger Things’ final season will continue with Volume 2, released on December 25, and the finale, which will be released on Netflix and select theaters on December 31.
518
9.2/10
8/10
Stranger Things
10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Drama Mystery Horror Science Fiction Release Date 2016 - 2025-00-00 Network Netflix Showrunner Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer Directors Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Andrew Stanton, Frank Darabont, Nimród Antal, Uta Briesewitz Writers Kate Trefry, Jessie Nickson-Lopez, Jessica Mecklenburg, Alison Tatlock
7 Images
Eleven looking into an opening of the Upside Down with pink light in Stranger Things season 1
Jim Hopper (David Harbour) grabbing Jonathan's (Charlie Heaton) shoulders in Stranger Things season 1©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection
Eleven with cables all over her head in Stranger Things season 4
Vecna looking towards Will in the trailer for Stranger Things season 5 (2025)
Max and Eleven in Stranger ThingsNetflix
Stranger Things season 2, episode 2 "Trick or Treat, Freak".MovieStillsDB
The Upside Down in Stranger Things season 5Courtesy of Netflix Close
Cast
See All-
Millie Bobby Brown
Jane 'Eleven' Hopper
-
Finn Wolfhard
Mike Wheeler
Expand
Collapse
-
Stranger Things
We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.
Be the first to post Images Attachment(s) Please respect our community guidelines. No links, inappropriate language, or spam.Your comment has not been saved
Send confirmation emailThis thread is open for discussion.
Be the first to post your thoughts.
- Terms
- Privacy
- Feedback
17 hours ago
House Of The Dragon Season 3 Officially Confirms Major Rhaenyra Change From The Book
14 hours ago
Pluribus' Better Call Saul Cameo "Terrified" Rhea Seehorn
15 hours ago
7 Pieces Of Superman Lore The DCU Needs To Explore ASAP
17 hours ago
Meghan Markle's Rep Denies Rumors She Took $1,700 Dress from Shoot: "Categorically False"
Trending Now
Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift Nearly Starred Joseph Gordon-Levitt In Lead Role
Dragon Ball’s Cast Knows This Is the Real Best Transformation
Eternity Ending Explained: Who Joan Chooses (And Why It's The Right Decision)