Did Stranger Things Season 2 villain aka The Mind Flayer take inspiration from Lovecraft and The Exorcist? Here's what we think

Stranger Things Season 2 features the Mind Flayer as the main villain. It cannot be denied that the Mind Flayer gave some massive trauma to the residents of Hawkins. After getting stranded in the Upside Down, where dangers lurked at every corner, Will finally came back to his family. However, he seemed to bring back a part of Upside Down with himself. This little boy just couldn't seem to catch a break.

The Mind Flayer, which initially seemed to be the main antagonist or the mind working behind all the bad things happening to Will and the Upside Down, definitely has an intriguing storyline. However, after the appearance of the behemoth of cloudy mystery, it cannot be denied that it definitely took some inspiration from Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos and The Exorcist. Especially the way it handles the storyline and the look of the villain.

Stranger Things Season 2’s Mind Flayer getting inspired by Lovecraft and The Exorcist

If we see the design and the massive structure that the Mind Flayer possesses in Stranger Things season 2, then it is quite reminiscent of Lovecraft's works. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos, which has been the inspiration for many cosmic horror works, is the kind of monster that does not jump out of a closet. There is a feeling of dread. It comes with realising the vastness of the monster.

In Stranger Things Season 2, the Mind Flayer is a huge monster with numerous tentacle-like structures. It is a direct nod to the Cthulhu Mythos. The Mind Flayer is colossal and is like a shadowy storm. It feels more like a force of nature with immense abilities than just a simple monster.

This increases the horror factor manifold. The goals of the Mind Flayer are initially unknown; however, as the story progresses, it can be understood that it controls all the beings on the Upside Down. It also possesses the ability to control the minds of humans. Will eventually fall prey to the Mind Flayer’s abilities. He becomes a vessel for the Mind Flayer, following its every command without any control over himself.

The manner in which Will seems so out of control is a reminder of the movie The Exorcist. In the movie, we see how the little girl is possessed and loses all ability to control what she does. Similarly, Will also follows the Mind Flayer’s commands. His body contorts with pain after the Mind Flayer takes over.

He releases guttural screams when his family tries to help. The Mind Flayer's possession of Will in Stranger Things Season 2 is reminiscent of Linda Blair’s Regan in The Exorcist.

The manner in which Will’s family and friends had to fight to save Will from the Mind Flayer’s clasp truly leaves an impact. Besides Vecna, the Mind Flayer is definitely the most dangerous villain that Stranger Things has seen.

Its terrifying appearance and abilities make it able to wreak havoc. The Mind Flayer had the ability to create a hive mind to which Will also became a part of. The wrath of the Mind Flayer set the stage for the upcoming dangers that the series unfolds in the later seasons.

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