Eleven’s most powerful moments in Stranger Things

Stranger Things is due back on our Netflix screens in just a few short months, with season 4 scheduled for May 27 (Part 1 of the season) and July 1 (Part 2). After a wait of almost three years, we are all wondering what we will be seeing Eleven and the gang go through as they navigate more of the ’80s and the trials and tribulations that come with the creatures of The Upside Down dimension.

At the end of season 3, audiences saw the Hawkins gang defeat the monstrous Mind Flayer (and numerous Russian soldiers) in the epic battle of Starcourt Mall that led to the apparent death of police chief Jim Hopper. After losing her adoptive father and her telekinetic powers, protagonist Eleven decided to move away to California along with the Byers family, so it will be intriguing to see the gang brought back together for the upcoming season and just how El will grow as a powerful being. Until then, (and in celebration of female characters in correlation with International Women’s History Month) here is a rundown of some of Eleven’s most powerful moments in Stranger Things seasons 1-3. SPOILERS AHEAD!

Eleven’s most powerful moments in Stranger Things

Eleven beats the bullies

Season 1 of Stranger Things saw many people’s first introduction to Millie Bobby Brown, the young British actress who played the telekinetic Eleven at just 12 years old. Regardless of her age, she blew everyone away with her performance, portraying a tormented girl still coming to terms with her new, supernatural powers. One of Eleven’s most powerful moments in Stranger Things season 1 comes in Episode 6, ‘The Monster’. Despite a previous bust-up between the Hawkins kids (Mike, Lucas, and Eleven primarily), El displays immense power — both physically and emotionally — in order to save Mike and Dustin from a couple of bullies.

Towards the episode’s end, Mike is threatened into jumping off a quarry cliff to prevent Dustin from having his teeth cut out with a switchblade. Whilst this is an incredible moment of self-sacrifice from Mike, who willingly steps off and falls through the air, he is saved by the powers of Eleven, who catches him telekinetically, and returns him to safety before making a formidable entrance. She uses her mind to push one of the bullies to the ground and with just a tilt of her head, snaps the other’s arm bone clean in two. This moment not only showcases the awe-inducing telekinetic power of Eleven, but also the power of friendship; she overcomes their previous fallout in order to do what is right, and save those in need.

Eleven closes the gate

In the Stranger Things season 2 finale, Eleven demonstrates the sheer immensity of her power. Having been given a serious taster in the season 1 finale, where El sacrificed herself to destroy the fearsome Demogorgon, the ninth episode ‘The Gate’ truly ups the ante. Although it causes her immense physical pain and mental trauma as she experiences flashbacks, Eleven uses everything she has got to ensure the closing of the gate to The Upside Down, preventing the escape of the dreaded Mind Flayer and ending its terror from the other side.

Using both hands and the full extent of her powers at the time, Eleven pushes and pushes. She collaterally amplifies headlights on cars and electrical circuits miles away before finally sealing the rift and saving the town singlehandedly, demonstrating just how powerful this one little girl truly is.

Eleven and Max

Whilst powerful in an entirely different way, Stranger Things’ season 3 offers a powerful moment of female friendship and a celebration of the strength of womanhood. Although there has been some discourse regarding character arcs in season 3 (particularly with regards to displays of masculinity and femininity), the growing bond between Max and Eleven was a welcome one. Despite the tensions amongst the group that arose perhaps as a result of the friendship, it was refreshing to see the girls in a new light, openly celebrating their femininity and their connection.

This is reflected in a powerful moment in episode 4, “The Sauna” Max and Eleven, after a day of shopping two episodes prior, rest on Max’s bed and look through comic books together. Max eagerly introduces El to the character of Wonder Woman, explaining the super-powered Amazonian to another super-powered young woman in a touching, yet fleeting scene. Such a moment indicates just how in awe of Eleven Max really is; she views her friend as a superhero and it is powerful to see Eleven engaging in her first real female friendship with a discussion about such an iconic character so often associated with feminist strength.

Eleven draws Billy out of a trance

In the Season 3 finale of Stranger Things (The Battle of Starcourt), Eleven finds herself practically powerless. And yet, she is still able to produce one of her most powerful moments, albeit an emotionally powerful one. As she lies on the floor of the Starcourt Mall, placed at the mercy of the grotesque Mind Flayer by Max’s hypnotized older brother Billy, she does all she can to snap Billy out of his ‘flayed’ state. Instead of trying to trigger her telekinetic powers or physically fight Billy off despite her injuries, she attempts to get through to him internally.

Having experienced visions of his past via her powers, Eleven simply talks to Billy, reminding him of the mother he has since lost, and the beautiful memories he has of her. By engaging in a truly meaningful connection with Billy, reaching out to him mentally as opposed to attacking, Eleven is able to do what no one has thus far — she gets through to him. By doing so, Billy is brought back to reality where he gives the ultimate sacrifice, protecting Eleven, his sister, and her friends for a little while longer by standing in the way of the Mind Flayer, redeeming himself in one of the most emotionally powerful scenes of the season.

It is abundantly clear from the past 3 seasons of Stranger Things that Eleven is an incredibly powerful female character in many interpretations of the word. With season 4 on its way, it is exciting to know that we will likely be seeing her regain control of her telekinetic abilities and grow into an even more powerful young woman.

Watch all seasons of Stranger Things on Netflix now!