Ever wonder what inspired the minds behind the global sensation Stranger Things? The answer might be more unsettling – and fascinating – than you think! In the series finale, Jonathan Byers, pursuing his filmmaking dreams, mentions an "anti-capitalist cannibal movie." But did you know this wasn't just a random plot point? It's a clever nod to the Duffer Brothers' roots.
Before they conjured up the Upside Down, Matt and Ross Duffer were honing their skills with short films. One of these early projects was a chilling cannibal horror movie, predating Stranger Things by a decade! While Jonathan's film is called The Consumer, the Duffer Brothers' earlier venture was titled Eater.
This short film, created during their time at California's Dodge College, mirrors Jonathan's cinematic aspirations in the show. Eater, written and directed by the Duffer Brothers in 2007, is based on Peter Crowther's short story of the same name. The 18-minute film plunges viewers into a suspenseful night shift at a police station, where a rookie cop confronts a cannibal prisoner on the loose. Imagine the suspense!
You can actually watch Eater to see the Duffer Brothers' creative spark in action, ignited nearly 10 years before Stranger Things captivated audiences worldwide.
And here's a fun fact: Eater's lead actor, Emanuel Borria, later reunited with the Duffer Brothers in Stranger Things 5, playing Sergeant Luis Ramirez in several episodes. It's a small world, isn't it?
But here's where it gets controversial... Peter Crowther's short story was adapted into an episode of the NBC horror anthology Fear Itself just a year after the Duffer Brothers made Eater. This series was a spiritual successor to Masters of Horror.
What do you think? Does this early work add a new layer of appreciation for the Duffer Brothers' storytelling? Share your thoughts in the comments – are you surprised by this connection, or did you already know about Eater? And what other hidden gems might be lurking in the backstories of our favorite creators?
