Stranger Things Star’s Surprising Season 5 Finale Rating Sparks Debate
A Stranger Things cast member’s candid Letterboxd review of the season 5 finale has stirred up discussion among fans, adding fuel to the ongoing debate over the show’s divisive conclusion.
Not every cast member is singing the praises of Stranger Things’ much-discussed final episode. Raphael Luce, who stepped into the shoes of young Henry Creel—the boy destined to become Vecna—has offered a rather measured verdict on the series’ swan song. On Letterboxd, Luce awarded the finale three-and-a-half stars, accompanied by a heart and a brief, almost cryptic review:
“The end.”
It’s a rating that’s neither damning nor glowing, but it’s certainly caught the attention of the show’s loyal following.
Fans, ever eagle-eyed, noticed that Luce’s score had actually dropped by half a star since his initial viewing. One particularly observant commenter quipped, “is it really 4 stars tho i mean is it reeeeally.” The actor’s involvement in the series has been largely through flashbacks, first appearing in four episodes during the fourth run, and returning for more glimpses into Henry’s troubled youth in the latest season. Jamie Campbell Bower, meanwhile, continues to portray the adult incarnation of Henry, as well as his monstrous alter ego.
Behind the Scenes: A Finale Under Pressure
The final chapter of the series has not had an easy ride. In the recently released documentary, One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers didn’t mince words about the challenges they faced. They described the process as
“the most difficult writing circumstance we’ve ever found ourselves in.”
The pressure to deliver a satisfying conclusion was palpable, and it seems the result has left both creators and viewers with mixed feelings.
Reactions from the public have been far from unanimous. Some have voiced disappointment, while others have gone so far as to concoct elaborate theories—one of which, dubbed Conformity Gate, suggests that a secret, as-yet-unseen episode is lurking in the wings, ready to serve as the “real” ending. The speculation has only added to the sense of uncertainty surrounding the finale’s reception.
Fan Theories and Lingering Questions
With the last episode now available to stream, the debate shows no sign of abating. The finale has become a lightning rod for discussion, with some fans dissecting every frame in search of hidden meaning, and others simply expressing their disappointment in more direct terms. The Letterboxd review from Luce has only intensified the conversation, providing a rare glimpse into how those involved in the production view the outcome.
For those still processing the events of the final season, there’s no shortage of material to pore over. Whether it’s detailed reviews, breakdowns of the ending, or the ongoing swirl of fan theories, the conversation around Stranger Things’ conclusion is far from over.