A Successor to the 'Stranger Things' Legacy?

It’s been a decade since Stranger Things captivated audiences with its blend of Spielbergian wonder and Stephen King-esque horror, alongside a heavy dose of '80s nostalgia. While the series concluded with a polarizing finale, its franchise continues to expand. Finding a series to match its concept and allure has proven difficult, but Prime Video’s Tales from the Loop emerges as a compelling successor.

Exploring the Mysteries of Mercer, Ohio

Based on the art book by Simon Stålenhag, Tales from the Loop is set in the seemingly ordinary small town of Mercer, Ohio. However, Mercer is anything but typical, harboring unexplained phenomena like time travel, robots, and gravity-defying stones. To investigate these occurrences, scientists at the Mercer Center for Experimental Physics created the Loop, an underground facility dedicated to “making the impossible possible.”

A Unique Approach to Sci-Fi Storytelling

Episodic Tales, Connected Themes

Tales from the Loop distinguishes itself through its stunning visuals and profound themes. Unlike many sci-fi shows, each episode presents a different story within the same setting, all exploring a unique sci-fi concept. For example, “Transpose” features a body swap, while “Parallel” depicts a guard encountering his alternate self.

Following Cole's Journey

The series subtly connects these episodes, particularly through the character of Cole, a young boy whose life is impacted by the events unfolding in Mercer. He witnesses his mother, Loretta, encounter her younger self and even experiences time leaps, prompting reflection on his own life. This allows the show to delve into themes of family, mortality, and identity.

Bringing Stålenhag's Vision to Life

Tales from the Loop is celebrated for its dazzling visuals, faithfully recreating Simon Stålenhag’s retro-futuristic art style. The series features technology that feels both familiar and otherworldly, from strange dome-like structures to robotic limbs and hovering tractors.

VFX Producer on the Series' Aesthetic

VFX producer Andrea Knoll, who previously worked on Stranger Things, explained to Deadline how her experience informed her approach to Tales from the Loop: “A very good friend and colleague recommended me…he knew my quality of work and work ethic…we wanted to maintain a painterly quality throughout the season, and we wanted the visual effects to preserve the feeling that is present in Simon’s book—that while there are these unique, magnificent sci-fi structures and elements in this town, they don’t overtake the story.”

Critical Acclaim and Recognition

Knoll’s work earned Tales from the Loop two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Cinematography and Outstanding Visual Effects. The series garnered an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers praising its unique approach, though some admitted to finding it confusing. Regardless, it’s a series that demands attention.

Another Stålenhag Adaptation: 'The Electric State'

In the same year Tales from the Loop debuted, Netflix announced an adaptation of another Simon Stålenhag book, The Electric State, directed by Joe & Anthony Russo and starring Millie Bobby Brown. However, unlike Tales from the Loop, The Electric State received criticism for its adaptation and high production costs.

A Must-Watch for Sci-Fi Fans

Whether you were left wanting more after Stranger Things concluded, or simply seeking a captivating sci-fi series, Tales from the Loop is a worthy watch. Like Hawkins, Mercer is a town brimming with mystery, and it will undoubtedly capture your imagination.

  • TV-MA
  • Drama, Mystery, Science Fiction
  • Release Date: 2020
  • Network: Prime Video