
Stranger Things, the critically acclaimed Netflix series, has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of 80s nostalgia, supernatural elements, and compelling character arcs. One of the most intriguing aspects of the show is its filming locations, which play a crucial role in creating the eerie and mysterious atmosphere that defines the series. This article delves into the various filming locations of Stranger Things, exploring how they contribute to the show’s overall aesthetic and narrative.
The Fictional Town of Hawkins, Indiana
At the heart of Stranger Things is the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. While the town itself is a product of the writers’ imagination, its physical representation is brought to life through a combination of real-world locations. The show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, have meticulously selected filming sites that evoke the small-town Americana of the 1980s, complete with tree-lined streets, quaint houses, and a sense of community that feels both familiar and otherworldly.
Jackson, Georgia: The Stand-In for Hawkins
The primary filming location for Hawkins is Jackson, Georgia, a small town located about 50 miles south of Atlanta. Jackson’s historic downtown area, with its vintage storefronts and charming architecture, perfectly captures the essence of a midwestern town in the 1980s. Key locations in Jackson include the Hawkins Public Library, the Hawkins Police Station, and the iconic Starcourt Mall, which serves as a central hub for the characters’ adventures in the third season.
The Byers’ House: A Symbol of Resilience
The Byers’ house, home to Joyce, Will, and Jonathan, is another significant location in Stranger Things. The house, located in Fayetteville, Georgia, is a modest, single-story home that reflects the family’s struggles and resilience. Its isolated setting, surrounded by dense woods, adds to the sense of vulnerability and danger that permeates the series. The house’s interior, with its cluttered living spaces and dim lighting, further emphasizes the family’s emotional turmoil and the supernatural threats they face.
The Upside Down: A Parallel Dimension
One of the most iconic elements of Stranger Things is the Upside Down, a dark, parallel dimension that mirrors the real world but is filled with malevolent creatures and a pervasive sense of dread. The Upside Down is not a physical location but rather a conceptual space that is brought to life through a combination of practical effects, CGI, and atmospheric lighting. The show’s production team has gone to great lengths to create a visually distinct and unsettling environment that contrasts sharply with the familiar settings of Hawkins.
Beyond Hawkins: Filming Locations Across the United States
While much of Stranger Things is set in Hawkins, the show’s narrative occasionally takes the characters beyond the town’s borders, leading to filming locations across the United States. These locations not only expand the show’s geographical scope but also provide new visual and thematic elements that enrich the story.
Albuquerque, New Mexico: The Desert Landscape
In the second season, the character Eleven embarks on a journey to find her “sister,” Kali, in Chicago. However, the scenes set in Chicago were actually filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The desert landscape of Albuquerque, with its vast, open spaces and rugged terrain, provides a stark contrast to the dense forests and suburban streets of Hawkins. This change in setting underscores Eleven’s journey of self-discovery and the challenges she faces in a world that is both unfamiliar and hostile.
Atlanta, Georgia: The Urban Backdrop
Atlanta, Georgia, serves as a versatile filming location for Stranger Things, standing in for various urban settings throughout the series. The city’s diverse architecture and bustling streets are used to depict locations such as the Hawkins National Laboratory, where much of the show’s scientific and supernatural intrigue originates. Atlanta’s urban backdrop adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the tension between the small-town life of Hawkins and the larger, more impersonal forces at play.
The Abandoned Hospital: A Haunting Setting
In the third season, the characters venture into an abandoned hospital, a location that is both eerie and symbolic. The hospital, filmed in an actual abandoned building in Atlanta, serves as a physical manifestation of the characters’ fears and the lingering effects of past traumas. The decaying walls, broken windows, and dimly lit corridors create a sense of foreboding, making the hospital one of the most memorable and chilling locations in the series.
The Role of Filming Locations in Storytelling
The choice of filming locations in Stranger Things is not merely a matter of practicality; it is an integral part of the show’s storytelling. Each location is carefully selected to enhance the narrative, evoke specific emotions, and create a cohesive visual style that ties the series together. The juxtaposition of familiar, everyday settings with the surreal and supernatural elements of the story serves to heighten the sense of unease and wonder that defines Stranger Things.
Creating a Sense of Place
One of the key functions of the show’s filming locations is to create a strong sense of place. The town of Hawkins, with its tree-lined streets, cozy homes, and close-knit community, feels like a real, lived-in place. This sense of place is crucial for grounding the story and making the supernatural elements feel more immediate and threatening. The audience’s familiarity with Hawkins makes the intrusion of the Upside Down and otherworldly creatures all the more unsettling.
Enhancing Character Development
Filming locations also play a significant role in character development. The Byers’ house, for example, is not just a setting; it is a reflection of the family’s struggles and resilience. The cluttered, dimly lit interior mirrors Joyce’s emotional state, while the isolated location underscores the family’s vulnerability. Similarly, the Starcourt Mall, with its bright lights and bustling activity, serves as a backdrop for the characters’ coming-of-age experiences, highlighting their growth and changing relationships.
Building Atmosphere and Tension
The atmospheric quality of Stranger Things is one of its defining features, and the show’s filming locations are instrumental in creating this atmosphere. The dense forests surrounding Hawkins, with their shadowy depths and hidden dangers, evoke a sense of mystery and foreboding. The abandoned hospital, with its decaying walls and eerie silence, amplifies the tension and fear. These locations are not just backdrops; they are active participants in the story, shaping the mood and driving the narrative forward.
Conclusion
The filming locations of Stranger Things are more than just settings; they are essential components of the show’s storytelling. From the small-town charm of Jackson, Georgia, to the eerie landscapes of the Upside Down, each location is carefully chosen to enhance the narrative, develop characters, and create a rich, immersive world. As the series continues to explore new territories and dimensions, the importance of these locations will only grow, ensuring that Stranger Things remains a visually and emotionally compelling experience for its audience.
Related Q&A
Q: Why was Jackson, Georgia chosen as the primary filming location for Hawkins? A: Jackson, Georgia was chosen for its historic downtown area and small-town charm, which perfectly captures the 1980s Americana aesthetic that the Duffer Brothers wanted for Hawkins.
Q: How does the Byers’ house reflect the family’s struggles? A: The Byers’ house, with its modest, cluttered interior and isolated location, mirrors the family’s emotional turmoil and vulnerability, emphasizing their resilience in the face of supernatural threats.
Q: What role does the Upside Down play in the series? A: The Upside Down is a parallel dimension filled with malevolent creatures and a pervasive sense of dread. It serves as a central element of the show’s supernatural intrigue and contrasts sharply with the familiar settings of Hawkins.
Q: How do filming locations contribute to the atmosphere of Stranger Things? A: Filming locations like the dense forests surrounding Hawkins and the abandoned hospital create a sense of mystery, foreboding, and tension, enhancing the show’s atmospheric quality and driving the narrative forward.