Duffer Brothers’ Lost Horror Short Sparks Stranger Things Theories

Just a fortnight after the much-anticipated fifth series finale of Stranger Things arrived on Netflix, a lesser-known piece from the Duffer brothers’ early days has quietly crept back into the spotlight. The short film, Eater, first saw the light of day in 2007 while Matt and Ross Duffer were still students at Dodge College in California. Long before their names became synonymous with supernatural drama, the pair crafted this 18-minute horror, which has now resurfaced and is freely available for viewing on YouTube.

Based on Peter Crowther’s short story, Eater follows a rookie police officer enduring a night shift that takes a grisly turn when a deranged cannibal prisoner seizes control of the station. Emanuel Borria, who took the lead in Eater, later found himself back in the Duffers’ orbit, appearing as Sergeant Luis Ramirez in three episodes of Stranger Things’ final series. This casting choice has not gone unnoticed by eagle-eyed fans, who are quick to spot such connections.

Echoes of the Past in the Present

Borria’s return isn’t the only thread linking Eater to the world of Hawkins. In the closing moments of Stranger Things’ last episode, a subtle nod to the brothers’ earlier work emerges. As Steve, Jonathan, Nancy, and Robin perch atop the radio tower, Jonathan Byers (played by Charlie Heaton) reveals he’s studying filmmaking at New York University. He mentions working on an “anti-capitalist cannibal movie” called The Consumer. The parallel is hard to miss: both Eater and The Consumer share a thematic core, their titles nearly interchangeable in meaning.

This sly reference has set fans speculating. Some have taken to social media, half-jokingly wondering whether Jonathan ever managed to finish his film project. The Duffers, known for weaving personal touches and inside jokes into their scripts, seem to have left a breadcrumb trail for those willing to look closely.

Fan Theories and Future Connections

The reappearance of Eater has fuelled a fresh wave of discussion among viewers, many of whom are poring over the Stranger Things finale for further hidden links. The idea that the Duffers might continue to blend elements from their earlier works into future projects is gaining traction, though nothing has been confirmed. For now, the resurfacing of Eater offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative roots of the duo behind one of television’s most talked-about series.

Those keen to delve deeper can revisit the Stranger Things season 5 finale, or perhaps give Eater a watch to spot the connections for themselves. Whether these nods are mere Easter eggs or hints at something more remains to be seen, but the conversation shows no sign of slowing down.