An underrated novel byStephen Kingis perfect for audiences who loved the concepts behind Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) origin story inStranger Things.Stephen King’s booksare staples of the horror and thriller genre due to their fascinating ideas and memorable characters. A big part of their influence can be seen in how other filmmakers have been inspired by Stephen King’s works directly or indirectly, and how those two mediums can sometimes build off each other in tandem. A prime example of that is Netflix’s flagship series,Stranger Things.
It is no secret thatStranger Thingswas inspired by several of Stephen King’s concepts, such as his iconic fire-starting child protagonist, and expanded on them through characters like Eleven. WithStranger Thingsseason 5’s release dateyet to be revealed, it can be tricky to find other shows or movies with similar tones or premises. Fortunately, for those who wantStephen King books likeStranger Things,there is one story that really expands on that interplay for Eleven’s harrowing backstory, taking the concept in new and frightening directions:The Institute.
The Institute Was Published In 2019
The Instituteis the perfect book for those who likedStranger Things’Rainbow Room arc, mirroring Eleven’s journey before taking a drastic turn.The Institutefollows the joint stories of Tim Jamieson, a local patrolman in a small town in South Carolina, and Luke,a young boy with telekinetic abilities who is kidnapped by a mysterious organization known as The Institute, who wish to test his abilities.Stephen King’s bookThe Institute, through this premise, mirrors many aspects of the Rainbow Room, including having a strict lead scientist and the unknown objective of the facility.
If You Love Stranger Things, You Need To Read This 45-Year-Old Stephen King Book With A Similar Concept
While waiting for Stranger Things season 5, audiences should pick up this Stephen King book, which takes a similar premise to fiery new heights.
Luke’s journey also echoes aspects of Eleven’s, as he is also able to escape and seek assistance from a kindhearted lawman. Luke’s powers, as well as the powers of the other children trapped in The Institute, however, vary a bit as he shares Eleven’s telekenesis but also has some minor telepathy, adding even more intrigue to the story as he fights to master them. Stephen King’s book adds more than new powers to thisStranger Thingsstory, though, as it elaborates on the connection between Eleven and her siblings in heartbreaking ways.
The Institute Takes The Concept Of Eleven & Her Siblings Way Further Than The Netflix Show
The Institute Adds More Moments Between The Children
Stephen King’s novel took Eleven’s relationship with her siblings inStranger Thingsand added even more interactions and moments between them, enriching their bond.Unlike the Netflix series, Luke’s connection with the other children is explored in more depth, his budding telepathic abilities allowing him to communicate more with his friends. One major example is Avery, who is sent to the elusive Back Half of the facility and is able to reveal the horrors within to Luke, giving their relationship higher stakes than the ones inStranger Things’timeline.
This Stephen King book invites audiences to dive into a story of exploitation and hope…
Those interactions make each moment even more compelling inThe Institute,as we truly see how these children come together to attempt to escape their capture. It also enhances the already disturbing aspects of The Institute’s operations, which are pushed beyond the brief glimpses we see inStranger Things,and truly explores the psychological horrors such a place can inflict. ThisStephen Kingbook invites audiences to dive into a story of exploitation and hope, pushing a few established sci-fi tropes into new depths that can only be executed by this iconic author.
Stranger Things
Cast
Stranger Things is a Netflix series set in the 1980s, where the mysterious disappearance of a young boy leads a small town to uncover secret experiments and supernatural forces. A significant focus is on a peculiar girl who may hold the key to the unfolding mystery.
