Stranger Things Season 4 | Dealing With Trauma

July 2, 2022 JoanaLeave a comment

Advertisements

Warning: Spoilers

The latest season of Stranger Things came out a couple of weeks ago and it’s now on its 4th season. I have been a fan of the show since it started. I fell in love with Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven) I wrote a post about my love for her acting with just her facial expressions on her film Enola Holmes. The thing about Stranger Things is the unique story line and having children to be the main characters is very captivating to watch. The balance of horror/suspense with the charm of the kids is quite entertaining plus having a weird and innocent bald little girl have superpowers is fire lol. I don’t really know how to explain the plot of Stranger Things. Every time someone asks me what it’s about I just say that there are monsters and the kids defeat them which sounds like any cartoon show lol. If you have watched the show how would you describe it without overwhelming a person who hasn’t watched it?

Another thing that I loved about Stranger Things is its consistency. Producers and creators has tendency to ruin shows after its successful first season. They try so hard to follow it up that the story feels like it’s forced to progress *cough* Riverdale *cough*. Stranger Things still gives me chills when watching it. I was worried when following seasons were announced. I was like “okay how is this gonna go? They’ve defeated the monsters. They can’t show up again and again.” But the story still ties up from the very beginning and they can still put some twists to it. I also love the characters, how they have their own time to shine and be a hero. There are a lot of main characters in this show and they manage to still add valuable characters without making it feel like just an add-on and also not upstaging old characters.

Okay enough about the background of the show. I am here to talk about the new season and how the show was all about dealing with trauma. I was re-watching Stranger Things season 4 with my boyfriend the other day. I have been asking him to watch the latest season since it was released but he was too hesitant because he wanted to watch it full without waiting for the volume 2. But I convinced him and we watched it until the episode 4.

I get to re-watch episode 4 and appreciate it more. If you guys haven’t watched it yet and don’t want any spoilers just skip this post. There’s a specific scene at the end of the episode where Max was in trance under Vecna’s spell. Before that, at the beginning of the season Max was clearly going through something after witnessing the death of his older brother in the previous season. Max was coming off a bit troubled and distanced even having flashbacks on what happened with her brother. Vecna preys on those who have trauma and guilt. He goes into its victim’s mind and replays their trauma until they give in and surrender to him. The whole season revolves around that and how do you stop a monster who just lives in troubled people’s minds?

Back to Max’s trance, Vecna got into her mind and Max kept running and fighting but Vecna is powerful and got her and almost killed her but one thing that is more powerful is music. Along Max’s fight against Vecna, Max’s friends had a hunch that playing your favorite music can get Vecna’s victims out of the trance and it did. Max’s favorite music (Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush) was played and it created a portal to reality but it wasn’t enough so Max thought of all the wonderful memories that she had in the past, every happy memories that she has. It gave her power to get away from Vecna and ran towards the portal. She kept running until she reached it and she finally woke up.

I’m not really a great story teller but that’s what happened lol. You just have to watched it to feel the intensity of the scene. And what I love about it are the symbolism and metaphors. It’s posing Vecna as the monster in our heads that keeps replaying our past traumas. He’s the initiator of the dark thoughts that’s just lurking in the back of our minds that we want to forget but we can’t because we just keep on pushing it aside. The way the scene played out is haunting, it was so dark. The trance is just like how we give in to our depression, how it feels like there’s no way out and it won’t get better. The music and the portal were so significant as a symbol of hope. Music truly helps us every time we feel something that we can’t express. Just like what was said in the show “music gets to the parts of the brain that words can’t… it’s a lifeline.” Music takes us to another place and let us escape. The way the portal was shown is like the imagery of a light at the end of the tunnel and when Max was running so fast to reach that light gave me chills. The whole scene gave me chills.

Advertisements

Dealing with trauma is not easy. Most people tend to act normal like all Vecna’s victims but deep down everyone has a baggage that they’ve been carrying for so long. It’s important to have an outlet when it comes to your emotions because bottling up can drown you. Others try to deal with it in different ways even if it hurts them physically. Some try to deal with it with liquors, smoking, sex, and etc. unhealthy coping mechanisms that help them forget. Those who deals with trauma has a hard time accepting that something is bothering and hurting them. They want to be seen as strong and “normal” whatever that means but they don’t know that running from it rather than addressing it can haunt them in the long run.

The best way to deal with trauma from my point of view is by talking about it and I know that it is hard to do that, that’s why there are different ways to express yourself without actually having to talk about it. Music is one, singing the songs that represents what you’re going through is by far the greatest outlet in my book. For some people words are hard to find to describe their emotions and what they’re going through and with music it helps them find those words and actually make them feel like they’re not alone. For me I use music and writing, I have talked about music and writing in this blog from the very beginning. They have been my friends for such a long time. They truly helped me throughout my journey with my mental health. But nothing beats by talking about it with the people you trust.

I think I’ve rambled enough in here, I just really love that scene. If you haven’t watched it yet I recommend that you go watch it now.

Anyway, take care always. Reach out to people, hang out with your family and friends, and please know that someone cares about you.

This was written around June 20th and volume 2 is out now! Be right back as I’ll probably cry watching the finale of Stranger Things 4.

Now Streaming on Netflix

Advertisements

To find more movie blog posts click here
To view blog series done on this site click: FEATURED COLLECTIONS
Discover new blogs to follow and sign up as well to include your blog click: BLOG DIRECTORY

Let’s follow each other:

My Favorite Things: F.R.I.E.N.D.S

August 15, 2021 Joana16 Comments

*Bought this shirt and the sticker (he’s her lobster) just for the reunion*

Advertisements

I think I’ve written several posts about my love for this show. This is my comfort show that I still re-watch up to this day. I am addicted to this show and I am proud to say that. I still choose to re-watch this show even though there are a lot of new series and shows that you can watch these days.

I guess I love the show because of reminding me how simple life was back then. I love the low maintenance friendship they had. There were no phones, no need to take pictures of the food before eating it lol. They really talk to each other with no distractions. Every time I feel sad I watch one episode of Friends and after that I forget why I was sad in the first place and I’m not exaggerating on that.

This show instantly puts a smile on my face and when they did the reunion I teared up of the thought of why wasn’t I old enough when this show first came out and why did I only watched it when I was in college? Either way I’m glad I watched it because it is the best show ever. If you haven’t watched this show yet I am judging you lol.

How about you? What are your favorite little things that makes you happy?

Advertisements

To view blog series done on this site click: FEATURED COLLECTIONS
Discover new blogs to follow and sign up as well to include your blog click: BLOG DIRECTORY

Let’s follow each other:

Support this blog:

When Do We Compromise?

January 28, 2021January 28, 2021 JoanaLeave a comment

This post was written on November 2020

Compromising is very important in relationships, it’s one of the tools that makes it work. But when do we back down to consider and when do we stand our ground?

I have been watching Grey’s Anatomy for a couple of weeks now, I’m currently on season 10 and one of the story lines that’s been bothering me for awhile is Yang-Hunt’s story arc. ! SPOILER ALERT 🚨

Advertisements

So, Cristina Yang and Owen Hunt have been my favorite problematic couple for awhile, they’ve been on and off. They were married and got divorced because of a plane crash accident but prior to that they’ve been having problems with their marriage, mainly because they have differences towards their future. Owen Hunt wanted to have a kid and Cristina Yang chose to abort their baby, and Owen has been keeping a grudge towards her wife ever since the incident. Over time Owen accepted that and wanted Cristina back, but Cristina has been having second thoughts because she believes that they’re going to end up where they left off, and she’s afraid that she’s never going to be enough for Owen, and Owen would probably ask for more that Cristina wouldn’t give her.

I’ve been frustrated on Cristina Yang’s character, she’s over confident, over achiever and so full of herself, and she always do what she wants, she’s been called a robot because all she cared about was being a top surgeon. But she has a soft spot as well, she stuck by Owen when he had PTSD and when he almost killed her. The only wrong thing they did was that they didn’t talk about their plans in the future before committing to each other. Now, Owen compromised his dream of having a kid and a family. He wants Cristina back but Cristina is afraid that Owen will suddenly change his mind. Cristina obviously still loves Owen but why couldn’t she just compromise or at least consider having a baby with Owen? But Owen gave up what he wants to be with Cristina, why couldn’t she do it for Owen?

Now, I kept thinking of when do we compromise? Are women more uptight than men? Do women want men to sacrifice more?

From personal experience, I am like Cristina in some sort of way, that’s why I kind of like her and hate her at the same time. I was used to being alone before I got into a serious relationship, I was used to doing things my way. I really adjusted in my relationship in ways like knowing that there’s someone I could depend on and I don’t really have to do everything on my own, and there is someone who also depends on me where we can both be there for each other. And there are moments that I know I have to compromise to not be the difficult one, and to just avoid arguments and blame on my part lol. But there are also times when I have to hold on to what I know is right for me that sometimes leads to making myself feel selfish. The dilemma starts there when you badly want to give it but you just can’t for some reason.

We were so used to guys courting girls for months to be their girlfriend especially in the Philippines, we make guys go through hoops of fire just to know if they’re sincere. We were used to guys putting more effort in the relationship, they compromise more. But it’s different for us women, when we fall in love, it’s deeper. Some do the same effort as guys do, buying gifts, arranging surprises etc. But all women give all of their feelings in the relationship, when we are in a relationship we are already compromised, most of us women have our guards up, we have walls and when we let a guy in and we lower our guards down it’s like a reflex thinking of “isn’t that enough?” without us really thinking about it. Most of us may not give you guys the moon or move mountains the same as you guys do but that doesn’t mean we are selfish. We’re compromising our feelings, we’re already vulnerable. Mind, body and soul of a woman is already yours when we fall in love. That’s why I think most of us girls are complicated because there’s too much emotions going through us. That’s why when guys cheat most of the women forgives easily and take their man back but when women cheat the relationship is already over and this is something that I’ve witnessed countless of times.

I rambled long enough through that one, I got all that emotions I was talking about lol. Going back to my question when do we compromise? I sincerely want to know.

To read more of my rants & ramblings click here

To view blog series done on this site click: FEATURED COLLECTIONS
Discover new blogs to follow and sign up as well to include your blog click: BLOG DIRECTORY

Let’s follow each other:

Support this blog:

Finding The Moral Of The Story | Enola Holmes

September 27, 2020September 27, 2020 Joana25 Comments

Eleven grew into a beautiful lady. If you’re a fan of the series Stranger Things, you probably know who Millie Bobby Brown is. I see Millie Bobby Brown as part of this new generation of great actors, her acting in Stranger Things was such a stand out performance, acting with little dialogue and mostly only with her eyes, and her facial expressions.

And, now Millie Bobby Brown stars in a Netflix original film Enola Holmes, along with huge stars such as Henry Cavil, Sam Claflin, and the great Helena Bonham Carter. Enola Holmes is about the estranged little sister of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Enola grew up with her mother, teaching her essential skills to live in a man’s world. But then her mother went missing and that’s where Enola’s adventure of finding her mother starts.

If you haven’t watched Enola Holmes yet, there are minor spoilers here.

Honestly, this show is so fun to watch because of Millie and the quirkiness of her character. But most importantly, I love the film because of the message they try to show which is very timely. This is the part of the blog where I talk about what I learned and what kind of message I got from the movies that I watch. So, here are some powerful messages from Enola Holmes:

Advertisements

The Feminist Message

The message of women empowerment was very strong in the film but it was also light to watch. It wasn’t shown in something too serious that you’ll find it a bit cliché. Basically, the film shows how girls live back then. How women should conform to a standards set out for them. Women are expected to just do these things to have them called a well-grown and well-respected lady. And Enola grew up not doing those things, like learning embroidery, wearing corset, and only wearing clothes that satisfy the society. The amount of expectations and unfairness a women face daily are too much back in the day.

*Credits to Movie Lines and etc. via Facebook*

Check Your Privileges

There was also one scene in the film where it shows how most privilege people have no interests in changing how the society works because it doesn’t affect them, how they are blind with injustices because the current society that they live in works for them. That scene was so powerful, and the message is so on point especially today. There are so many voices not being heard, and in order to be heard you have to make some noise, that privilege people are so naive or just plainly ignorant to recognize these injustices.

Create A Better World For Your Kids

Warning! This is a major spoiler.

Enola’s mother left her because she wanted to change the world for Enola. She wanted Enola to grow up in a better society for all the women. She was planning protests that will endanger Enola. It was such a great message, it wasn’t really focused on but I see it as Eudoria (Enola’s mother) taught her everything to survive but I guess all of those skills weren’t enough, she decided that the world should adjust and not her daughter, and not women. It also shows how mothers would go to the end of the world to give the best for their children.

We Choose Our Own Path

I think this is the main moral of the story. We create our own destiny, we create our own purpose. We should not let the society or anyone dictate what we should become. Enola’s other brother Mycroft forced her in learning how to act like a “true lady”, because Mycroft believes that is how women should act. But Enola broke all expectations and ignored the standards, she did her own thing and followed what she wants.

Overall, this movie was a fun watch. The acting was great, the message and pacing were also great. It is a must watch. 👏🏼

Stream it on Netflix:

Have you watched the film yet? What are your thoughts? Share it in the comments, let’s chat about it! 😊

To find more movie blog posts click here

To view blog series done on this site click: FEATURED COLLECTIONS
Discover new blogs to follow and sign up as well to include your blog click: BLOG DIRECTORY
Share your mental health story click: SHARE YOUR STORY HERE

Let’s follow each other:

Support this blog:

Advertisements

[CURRENTLY WATCHING] New Girl TV Series (2011-2018)

September 5, 2020September 8, 2020 Joana3 Comments

I have a new obsession (I’ve been using this word a lot lately lol) New Girl is about a very optimistic and peculiar girl moving in with three different guys as a roommate in a Los Angeles loft.

*From left to right: Schmidt, Cece, Jess, Nick, and Winston*

This is such a fun and awkward series to watch. Their comedy makes you want to cover your eyes because of how embarrassing and weird their characters are. Especially, Schmidt (Max Greenfield) one of the 3 guys in apartment 4D. A metrosexual kind of guy, and can be overly passionate at everything that he likes. While, Nick (Jake Johnson) is the complete opposite, a college drop out law student turned bar tender. Usually, described by his roommate as a guy with no direction and doesn’t take care of himself. Winston, (Lamorne Morris) is a failed international basketball player, and bad with conversing with girls. Jess (Zooey Deschanel) is the New Girl in apartment 4D, she’s a teacher who got dumped by her cheating boyfriend. She changes the dynamic in the loft, which I’m not really sure if it is for the better or something. Oh, and also we have Cece, (Hannah Simone) Jess’ gorgeous model best friend. Throughout the show so far, she and Schmidt are an item but they kind of have of an on and off open relationship which sort of frustrates me (I want them to be together).

I haven’t finished this series yet, I’m actually just on season 2 out of 7. And so far, I’m so invested. Zooey Deschanel (Jess) is so funny and adorable to watch, her character is gullible and kind of ditzy which adds to the cuteness of her character. This show is just so good, so far. I love how the 3 guys respect Jess as their roommate, it doesn’t make you feel awkward because a girl is living with 3 guys. They were actually really protective towards Jess.

I have yet to finish this series but I am so eager to share it with you guys already. I also found out (a little trivia) that this series inspired one of the household characters in Sims 4 (Roomies Household).

I recommend this to anyone, who enjoys comedy shows. 😊

Has anyone watched it already? Don’t spoil it to me though 😄

I’m creating a Blog Directory to have a space here in my blog where you can discover and follow new blogs 😊. It’s my little way to help the blogging community connect with each other and can also be a way to gain followers. If you would like to have your blog included, please feel free to sign up here: https://giganticthoughtbubble.blog/2020/09/04/blog-directory/

Thank you, I hope you’ll join 😊

For more content click: FEATURED COLLECTIONS

Let’s follow each other: