Is there a Fear Street reference in Stranger Things season 4?

Last summer, the Fear Street trilogy took Netflix by storm. The film series–which takes place in 1994, 1978, and 1666–centered on a group of kids being haunted by a vengeful witch. Its premise involved a curse, one that made the town of Shadyside the murder capital of America.

This trio of horror movies entertained, delighted, and endeared viewers. It also captured the attention of Stranger Things fans due to both Maya Hawke and Sadie Sink being in the trilogy. Hawke’s played more like a cameo meant to be an homage to Scream. While Sink’s had more meat on the bone since her character featured prominently in Fear Street Part 2: 1978.

The two actresses, however, aren’t the film series’ only connection to the hit Netflix original show. The director of the popular trilogy, Leigh Janiak, is married to Ross Duffer. So for Hawke and Sink, working with her was partly a reunion and a chance to be guided by her vision of what a horror should be.

You can see Stranger Things‘ influence on Fear Street, but is the reverse true as well? Did the film trilogy influence Stranger Things season 4? Were there any references?

Well, as for the first question, this season is dominated by episodes that are over an hour long and the finale of part 1 is feature length. Sure, it could be a coincidence, but it’s interesting nonetheless. And, when it comes to the second question, there is a moment that seems to nod to the second movie in the Fear Street trilogy and it involves Hawke’s character, Robin.

Does Robin make a Fear Street reference in Stranger Things season 4?

Major spoilers ahead of Stranger Things season 4

In “Chapter Four: Dear Billy,” Robin and Nancy have gained access to Pennhurst Asylum under false pretenses. They’ve presented themselves as college students looking to speak to Victor Creel for the purposes of their research. But, while this has gotten them through the door, it hasn’t greased the way for them to talk with the accused murderer.

Robin, who can see their opportunity is slipping through their fingers, launches into an impassioned speech about inequality in psychology. She sprinkles in some truth about being uncomfortable in the outfit she’s wearing and that they’ve been lying about their personalities. To further get her point across she tells a story about the time she went to camp…in 1978.

While Robin’s story doesn’t follow the plot of Fear Street Part 2, I do believe our ears are meant to perk up at the reference. It’s subtle. If you haven’t watched the second movie in the trilogy which is set in summer 1978 at a sleep-away camp where a massacre takes place, the line wouldn’t mean anything to you. But, if you have seen the movie, it’s a little nod that’ll make you smile.

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