From season four of Stranger Things, Sadie Sink has the ideal souvenir. Sink’s tenure on Stranger Things began in 2017 with season 2, during which her character Max joined the main kids’ group and soon became a significant figure. After season four of Stranger Things, when she was featured as one of the villains Vecna’s (Jamie Campbell Bower) key targets, Max enjoyed an increase in popularity. Although her future is uncertain going into season 5, Max is anticipated to return in the show’s last season, which Sink has previously described as heartbreaking.
Sink confesses in British Vogue’s 2023 Hollywood Portfolio that she couldn’t resist bringing home one important costume piece that was significantly utilized by her role in Stranger Things season 4. The actor claims that she requested to keep Max’s Walkman after filming was finished so she could hang onto a prized possession that saved her character’s life in the most recent episode of the program. The Walkman was a perfect keepsake for Sink since it provided Max with both a physical lifeline and solace through trying and solitary times. Below are the actor’s remarks about preserving the prop:
“I’ve never stolen anything from set but I politely begged to take home the Walkman my character Max uses in season four of Stranger Things.”
The significance of music in Stranger Things
In Stranger Things season 4, Max’s Walkman was a crucial piece of equipment since it allowed her to utilize her favorite song, Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” to escape her situation both physically and symbolically. Starting with Will’s (Noah Schnapp) memories of The Clash’s “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” in season 1 when he was trapped in the Upside Down, this season 4 narrative followed a tradition in the series of music offering consolation to the protagonists. Classic songs from the 1980s serve as the show’s main soundtrack and the songs that the characters love to listen to during each season of Stranger Things.
The usage of music in Stranger Things is for various reasons, but the show’s dedication to evoking nostalgia with its 1980s-inspired setting is chief among them. Since music is a universal affection that transcends decades, the chart-toppers from the 1980s also help to humanize the characters. Music is integral to Stranger Things since it sets the tone and mood for the whole series, provides symbolism for the characters’ travels and is carefully picked for each scene.
Sadly, Max’s passion for music was unable to protect her from Vecna’s curse, and in Stranger Things season 4, she fell into a coma. Even though the character is still alive, Sink has admitted that she is still in the dark about what will happen to her in the show’s future, except for the fact that Max is still alive and that there must be a good reason for it. Max will likely return as a series regular with her Walkman at her side in Stranger Things season 5 and maybe that reason will be made obvious early on, but nothing is guaranteed until the final season of the show airs.