There was never a ninth episode of Stranger Things 5; all the rumors might have originated due to various reasons, including this BTS documentary, titled "One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5." This feature-length documentary serves as the heartbreaking conclusion to Netflix's Stranger Things. The film, directed by Martina Radwan, runs 2 hours and 2 minutes and provides an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at the production of the show's fifth and final season, capturing the cast, crew, and creators as they navigate the challenges of wrapping up a decade-long cultural phenomenon.
Radwan, known for her work on projects like Girls State, embedded herself on set for an entire year, granting her unprecedented access to intimate moments such as table reads, script debates, and on-set problem-solving. The film is structured around the series' evolution from its inception to its conclusion, incorporating segments on early footage from Season 1, the development of character arcs, the overall filmmaking process, and the final days of production.
The documentary begins with comments on the show's origins and follows the Duffer Brothers' creative vision as they face the hurdles of producing the final episodes. It features backstage footage from the writers' room, where they discuss the final battle and make decisions like eliminating Demogorgons from particular situations. On-set talks and collaborative efforts among the cast and crew are featured, emphasizing the production's size and scope. Key BTS footage includes one-shot action sequences, practical effects, and a "melty room" sequence. It describes the production of the "pain tree" centerpiece in Vecna's lair, which took months of sculpting, painting, and assembly by many teams. Visual effects work for the finale is shown, including the complexities involved and input from producers. Additional footage covers franchise history, including how characters were influenced by the actors' personalities, and the casting of the Duffer Brothers’ real-life drama teacher.
The documentary digs deeper into the heart of Stranger Things Season 5, emphasizing the massive scope and intricacy involved. With a projected budget of more than $400 million for the season alone, it highlights the logistical achievements, from enormous set builds in Hawkins and the Upside Down to realistic effects and stunts that combine nostalgia and high-stakes action. Radwan makes crucial creative decisions, such as the Duffer Brothers fretting over characters' final lines and discussing Eleven's destiny, revealing internal conflicts between audience expectations and narrative integrity.
Interviews feature the Duffer Brothers (Matt and Ross Duffer), who describe their creative approach and the hardship of building the season without a finished script for the final episode. Millie Bobby Brown arrives in costume with a nosebleed effect and provides insights. Jamie Campbell Bower discusses his transition into Vecna, which included discarded creature drawings, outfit fittings, and rehearsals. Noah Schnapp muses on accepting Will's sexual identity and facing demons. Sadie Sink, Finn Wolfhard, director Shawn Levy, and other crew members all contribute. Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and Sadie Sink address personal development alongside their characters.
A significant thread in the documentary is its indirect response to fan speculations, particularly the Conformity Gate theory. This conspiracy posited that Season 5's finale was a "fake" or meta episode, with a secret ninth installment hidden as the documentary itself—perhaps an alternate ending or bonus content to address perceived writing flaws. Radwan playfully dodges questions in interviews - "I can't confirm or deny anything", before firmly debunking it, attributing the theory to "wishful thinking" from fans craving more resolution. The film reinforces this by focusing solely on real production footage, with no hidden episodes or twists, effectively closing the door on such ideas.
Overall, this is a well-made documentary film that captures emotional moments, such as the final table read where cast and crew shed tears, the last days of filming, and a symbolic Dungeons & Dragons session. It highlights the effort put in by the cast and crew while showing their journey, which seems more like an adventure. It shows that there is a lot of effort required to make something this big, which ultimately ends up being declared as flawed. It concludes with the cast's final goodbye as filming comes to a close.
Final Score – [9.5/10]
Reviewed by: Greg Becker