If you’ve been living under a rock since July 15th, you probably don’t know about Stranger Things, the new Netflix series that is parts Stephen King and parts early 80s sci-fi action movies. In other words, it’s perfect. In a time where everyone is divided over the RNC vs. DNC, Stranger Things did something unheard of; it got almost everyone to agree, critics and fans alike. Netflix just released this short featurette with star Winona Ryder, herself an 80s gem.

Check out the video below.

Described by the creators, Matt and Ross Duffer as “completely fearless,” Winona Ryder plays Joyce Byers, a mother dealing with the worst thing imaginable; the loss of a child. Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) has disappeared, and when all seems lost, she starts receiving almost supernatural messages through the phones, radios, and christmas lights that Will is alive, but in a place where she cannot get to.

“Winona is a character whose stakes and circumstance are inherently heightened the entire season,” says Executive Producer Shawn Levy. To portray a grieving mother while at the same time convinced your child is alive somewhere… to appear crazy to others at all times, requires an actress who, as Levy points out, can ratchet up the emotional intensity.” Winona Ryder was at the head of the short list.

She discusses never working within this genre, and I guess the closest she came was in Beetlejuice, but that was a horror comedy. There is little fun and comedy that Joyce gets to deal with. But despite that everyone raves about Winona being the consummate professional and fully immersing herself in this, her first TV series. For my money, she’s a shoo-in for an Emmy nominee for Best Actress in a Drama.

Stranger Things is currently streaming on Netflix and worth every minute of your time.

Video

Stranger Things – Winona Ryder Featurette – Netflix [HD]

Learn more about Winona Ryder’s breakout performance in Netflix’s Stranger Things