Stranger Things' final season is in full swing, a decade on from when the inhabitants of Hawkins first graced our screens and captured global attention. The Netflix phenomenon kicks off in the small fictional Indiana town in November 1983, featuring a cherished ensemble of characters portrayed by actors at different stages of their professional journeys - with one particular casting decision earning widespread praise from devotees.
The young stars leading the series were virtual unknowns when they first stepped into 80s attire, props and vernacular, captivating audiences with nostalgia and mystery back in 2016. They were accompanied by established names, however, with Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers proving a major draw for many.
Ryder's portrayal of the perpetually anxious, cigarette-dependent mother who defies official explanations when her son, Will, vanishes in the opening episode brought genuine emotion and resilience to the series.
The performer's celebrity status also helped pull in audiences for the inaugural season. Ryder rose to prominence through a succession of unconventional, outsider-type characters in the 80s and early 90s, later transitioning into more serious and costume drama work.
She's garnered critical recognition for her thespian abilities and has secured two Academy Award nominations, reports the Mirror.
Stranger Things devotees have applauded the casting choice, with one Reddit user proclaiming: "Winona Ryder being cast as Joyce Byers is one of the greatest casting decisions of all time. I couldn't picture anybody else in this role."
In the comments section, viewers were eager to voice their opinions. One Reddit user expressed: "I just rewatched season 1 a couple weeks ago and I was just blown away. I think her acting in that season is amazing!".
"You see things differently during a re-watch and her acting really struck me and I don't think I fully appreciated the first time around."
Another queried: "Where is her Emmy for this role?,!".
A third commented: "Winona is my favourite actress. People forget she was HUGE in the late 80s and 90s. I had been hoping for her to have a comeback for years and years and she is wonderful as Joyce Byers."
A fourth remarked: "It was so smart to cast her because I didn't know anything about the show. Just that this new show was coming out on Netflix and Winona Ryder was gonna be in it and I will watch anything with Winona and then it became one of my favourite shows ever."
Another stated: "Such a great comeback role for her."
Yet another added: "I've always been a huge fan."
One admirer shared: "IMO [in my opinion] Season 1 NO ONE could top her acting. Millie was #2 for me.."
Reflecting on the rest of the cast, another said: "They also did great with casting her boys. They genuinely look like they could be related to her."
And another praised: "The casting of the whole show is brilliant and also is the yardstick for child actors as far as I'm concerned.
"A lot of movies or shows prioritise looks over the actual acting talent of the kids, but these kids can act."