"Chapter Seven: The Bridge" is the seventh episode of the fifth season of the American science fictionhorrordrama television series Stranger Things. The 41st episode overall, and the series' penultimate episode, it was written and directed by series creators The Duffer Brothers, with executive producer Shawn Levy also directing. It was released on December 25, 2025, on Netflix alongside the previous two episodes as the finale of season five's volume two.
Set on November 6, 1987, the anniversary of Will Byers' disappearance, the group reunites to prepare for the final battle against Henry / Vecna. As they finally understand what the Upside Down is, Holly's fate takes a darker turn, and Will reaches a moment of honesty that reshapes his role for the fight ahead.
The episode received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the convergence of the season's storylines, and the performances of the cast, particularly that of Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, and Noah Schnapp, but criticized some story decisions and felt it was underwhelming as the series' penultimate episode.
Plot
Max slowly awakens in Lucas' arms, and tells him that he was the emotional anchor that enabled her to make it back to the real world. She states that she couldn't see where Holly's portal led, but that she advised her to go to the Wheeler House in the Upside Down and wait for them to rescue her. She also warns that Henry will retaliate now that she has escaped. Holly awakens in Henry's lair, embedded in a wall with the other kidnapped children, and tries to escape through an unfamiliar desert as Henry begins to give chase. She locates a gap in the ground and squeezes through, falling through to the Upside Down. After regrouping with Dustin and Steve, Nancy and Jonathan reveal that they saw Holly suspended in midair above them before she was pulled back into the sky. Will confesses to Joyce that he is unsure whether he is strong enough for the fight ahead.
Erica, Murray, and Mr. Clarke use a makeshift experiment to successfully pinpoint Dustin's location in the Upside Down, and Eleven accesses a rift, allowing them all to reunite. At the military base, Dr. Kay assesses the damage from Henry's attack, and tells Lt. Akers that her priority remains unchanged: find Eleven, no matter the cost. Gathering the group, Dustin explains the true nature of the Upside Down,[a] and his theory that Eleven inadvertently caused it to form as a bridge between the real world and the Abyss when Brenner made her contact Henry. Will and Max state that Henry is aiming to draw both worlds together and merge them. Lucas, realizing that it is November 6, the anniversary of Will's original disappearance, believes that Henry will enact his plan that night.
Hopper initially proposes using a helicopter to fly through the Upside Down to the Abyss and rescue the children, but Steve then suggests a plan he names "Operation Beanstalk", arguing that they should allow Henry to draw the worlds close enough together that they can climb the radio tower into the Abyss, have Eleven psychically ambush Henry, and rescue the children. Dustin then adds that they should drop a bomb into the Upside Down once their plan is complete, destroying it and preventing the Abyss from connecting with the real world ever again. Max offers to guide Eleven through Henry's mind, and Kali insists on joining them. As the group prepare, Steve and Dustin reconcile, while Kali tells Eleven that they must sacrifice themselves and both remain in the Upside Down when it is destroyed so that the military cannot capture them again and make more monsters. Will gathers everyone together and comes out as gay, revealing that Henry has been using his secrets against him for too long and that he had to be fully honest in order to conquer his fear and feel ready for the final battle. He tells Eleven that he needs to be with them when Henry is ended once and for all. Erica and Mr. Clarke open up the military base to allow Murray to drive the others (Hopper, Joyce, Eleven, Kali, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, Nancy, Jonathan, Steve, and Robin) into the Upside Down one final time, breaking past Dr. Kay, who makes eye contact with Eleven as they do so. Max stays behind at the radio station for her own safety alongside Vickie.
In Henry's mindscape, he convinces the other kidnapped children that Holly was manipulated by Max. The children refuse to believe her when she tells them of Henry's true nature, with Derek staying silent, and they insist that she joins them to enact his plan. She tries to escape again, but is subdued by the group and forced to join as Henry begins to merge the worlds.
Production
On December 11, 2025, Ross Duffer posted to Instagram, confirming that "Chapter Seven: The Bridge", along with volume two's previous episodes, "Chapter Five: Shock Jock" and "Chapter Six: Escape from Camazotz", were complete. Regarding the episode, he teased, ""The Bridge"... we co-directed this one with Shawn. Don't want to say too much, but aside from the finale, it's probably the most emotional chapter of the season. It's gonna be a long six day wait for the finale...".[1]
Writing
The episode was written by series creators The Duffer Brothers, marking their nineteenth writing credits on the show.[2][3] Save for Eleven's dilemma over if happy endings are possible and both Vecna's backstory and his connection to the Mind Flayer, whom they deemed would be most impactful and revelatory in the series finale, the Duffers felt it was important for all of their characters to head into the final battle by really resolving all of their internal and external conflicts either within themselves or with others as they had to be at the best of their ability and on the same page if there are going to be able to defeat the great evil, so they dedicated all of the fifth season's second volume episodes to resolve all of those plots.[4]
Having talked about Will Byers' coming out as gay scene for a very long time, the Duffers had originally planned for this to take place in the fourth season, but realized back then that they didn't have the space to do the scene properly and that pushing this to season five in retrospective granted them the time to craft the story arc of the entire season towards this specific moment, when Will starts to embrace himself as he does by the end of "Chapter Four: Sorcerer". In the episode's original draft, Will only told his mother Joyce, but the Duffers felt that scene didn't hit properly and realized that, while Joyce was an important part, Will really needed to reveal his truth it in front of everyone since Vecna was preying on Will's fear of rejection.[4]
Of Will's coming out scene, Noah Schnapp stated "It was so freeing. I mean, there's been so much build up for this scene for so long. Since, I would argue, episode one of the first season. So getting to finally have that moment and just have that dialogue... Will is always speaking through so much of his facial expressions, but to actually verbalize his emotions and express them to everyone was so freeing to finally get to do". Schnapp felt that the first volume of the season was about Will accepting his own identity through his conversations with Robin, and that the second volume is where he "really understand[s] that it was never about Mike, it's about himself" and his journey of self-acceptance. Schnapp expressed that he felt the scenes were written authentically to his own experiences as a gay teenager. The Duffer Brothers described the scene as "something we've been building to for a long time", and spoke about their nerves at wanting to get it right and "do right by Noah". The advised that, "I don't think, in the entire series that we spent as long on as we did that coming out scene, just working it and working it until it felt right to us", and that Schnapp's response after reading it for the first time gave them the confidence and reassurance to know they had done a good job.[5] Upon reading the sixth episode, Schnapp concluded that if Will's coming out scene wasn't there yet, it would likely be in either the seventh episode or the finale, with the Duffers admitting that while the episode itself didn't take too long to write, the coming out scene itself did, as they wanted to be as truthful as possible to both their character and actor, as the latter knew the former so well and put himself under a lot of pressure.[6]
Discussing the revelations of the Upside Down's true nature, Ross Duffer stated, "we've known it was a wormhole since Season 1, but it's one thing to say it, and it's another to try to figure out how to visualize such an abstract concept", with Shawn Levy adding that he was "so grateful that they had Dustin draw that exact same diagram in the show that the Duffers had used to explain the show years before we shot Season 5". Matt Duffer explained that one of the other writers, Paul Dictor, helped to develop the concepts for the reveal and how best to translate it to the audience.[7]
Of Max Mayfield and Lucas Sinclair's relationship, Sadie Sink explained, "Max waking up is one of my favorite scenes in the show because you do forget about Max and Lucas, especially this season. She’s in a coma. You’re not seeing them together. They’re just kind of talking about each other, so it’s emotional seeing them reunite and realizing, Oh my God, these two have been through so much together. There’s something that feels very complete about them, and it’s meant to last."[8] Speaking on their reunion at the beginning of the episode, Caleb McLaughlin, who portrays Lucas, echoed Sink, expressing that "That moment, it almost felt real, because I wasn’t around her for so long. You miss your friend when you’re on set. You miss the camaraderie you both have. So I think with that, seeing that emotion that I had [access], to the state of mind that I had to be in, was a different emotion from Season 4, when he was losing her. In this moment, it was more of an emotion of relief and joy…it wasn’t sadness, it was happiness. But then also, at the same time, that feeling of loss, because now everything that he was feeling, he can now have this release".[9]
Speaking on Dustin and Steve's reconciliation, Gaten Matarazzo expressed that he put a lot of pressure on himself prior to the scene, stating "I was so scared of it the whole time" but that, as much of season five was shot chronologically, he and Joe Keery came into the scene already having filmed large portions of the emotional build-up, allowing them to bring greater catharsis to the scene. Of the resolution of Dustin's emotional character arc, Matarazzo explained, "I think one of the healthiest things to do in grief is unpacking it when you feel the need to do so and diving in and feeling everything that you possible can feel and that you're naturally inclined to feeling".[10] Levy referred to the reconciliation as "unique and beautiful and deeply moving", with Keery explaining that the moment Dustin gives Steve a spear and shield previously used by Eddie "gives [Steve] a moment of pause which brings upon an apology". Matarazzo called the moment a "needed" one for the duo, adding that "they can actually verbally express to each other what they’ve wanted to say for a long time and I think it’s cool to let those boundaries break down".[11]
Filming
The episode features Will's, portrayed by Noah Schnapp, coming out scene, which paralleled Schnapp's own experience as a gay man.
The episode was directed by series creators The Duffer Brothers, and series executive producer Shawn Levy, with the latter feeling that the it was a "fitting commemoration of this brotherhood the three of us have forged over the years".[12] Initially, Levy was unsure on whether he would be able to direct any episodes of the show's fifth season or not aside from serving as its executive producer as it was expected the season's shooting schedule would eventually overlap with the filming schedule of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), which Levy was hired by Marvel Studios to direct, so one of the first things he had conversations with Wade Wilson / Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds and Marvel about was to discuss the schedules so he would be able to direct at least one episode of the fifth Stranger Things season,[13] but the season's shooting would ultimately be delayed when the production was impacted by the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.[14]
Discussing the filming of the scene where Max finally wakes up from her coma, Sink stated, "when a scene is so beautifully written and a moment is as touching as that is, it makes my job easier to connect with Max. And when Caleb is giving such an incredible performance as well, I just felt very lucky to be in that room." McLaughlin echoed her sentiment, noting that the "energy switched" on set once Levy called action and he looked into her eyes. He stated that he began looking around after completing the scene and seeing that his co-stars, Maya Hawke and Amybeth McNulty and Sink were crying and expressing that "everyone just felt the presence of what we brought to the table". Hawke felt that "a spell was cast" during the scene and that Sink and McLaughlin's performances caused her to go home "feeling so inspired".[15]
On directing Will's coming out scene, the Duffers said there wasn't much direction at all, as Schnapp spent months preparing for the scene. They also spoke about wanting to sure the scene feel unique and right for both Schnapp and Will's character, noting that he does not use the word "gay", instead saying "I don't like girls" while commenting on the other similarities he has with his friends, proving that he is still the same person and reflecting on his fear of them withdrawing from him.[4] The Duffers asked Schnapp what he wanted to shoot first like if he wanted to start with the reaction shots before building up to him or if he wanted to start with his own scenes, to which Schnapp preferred to start with a wide shot so he could warmp himself up so he could then get over himself with it and then go for a close-up, managing to do it in one take and feeling immense relief over it, to which the Duffers jokingly told him that they had 20 more reactions to still make afterwards.[6]
Of filming Will's coming out scene, Schnapp stated that he was "in tears" when he read it for the first time, and thought it was "perfect". He felt it was "nerve-wracking" knowing that the entire cast would be present for the scene, but described is as "really special" because they all sat in place for every take, even those were they weren't going to be on camera so that they could support him. Schnapp advised that it took twelve hours in total for initial filming, plus an additional twelve hours of reshoots, and that he spoke to Maya Hawke for advice on how to learn such a large amount of lines. Schnapp's close-ups, which he referred to as "the most meat of the scene" were filmed first at his request because he hadn't been exhausted yet, commenting that "tt was real and raw and I'm glad I did it that way". He praised the episode's editors, stating, "you don't realize the power of editing and how it can change a scene. For this scene, it was nice because there were moments where I tried the first paragraph of the monologue to the boys where it was a lot more sad, and then there were times when I was a lot more happy reliving the memories with them. I'm glad that they edited it the way they did, where it's nice to see him not just sob through the whole scene, but kind of smile through the memories and give that lighter feel. It makes it hit harder."[16] Matt Duffer stated that Schnapp "poured everything into every single take", which elicited genuine reactions from the other members of the cast, particularly Charlie Heaton, who Schnapp noted was in tears.[5] The Duffers sobbed up while filming Schnapp's close-up, as everyone was nervous about the scene's technical aspects and not being able to capture such moments again like Schnapp's many good reads, as the following ones weren't on the same level as his first, which felt completely real and vulnerable. They felt the scene to be necessary as Will was key to the season's story because the show's overall started with Will's kidnapping so know the show had to go back to Will's story one more time but concluding with his connection to the Upside Down as explored at the end of the second season.[6]
"The Bridge" was released on December 25, 2025, on Netflix, alongside the two previous episodes comprising Stranger Things season 5 volume 2, The episode got mixed reactions by the viewers.[18][19]
Reception
The episode has a score of 5.0 on Metacritic based on 43 user reviews, indicating "mixed or average".[20] It is currently the lowest rated episode of the series on IMDb with a score of 5.5 based on approximately 65,000 user ratings.[21] Several publications reported that the episode had suffered from review bombing, seemingly in response to Will's coming out storyline, and noted that the IMDb score suggested that users were either rating the episode at 1/10, a typical tactic for review bombing, or 10/10 in an attempt to counteract the low ratings. Various reasons were proposed for the bombing, including homophobia, and perceived issues from some fans with either the writing, plot, or performances.[22][23]
In a positive review, Tara Bennett of IGN praised the performances of the ensemble cast and the convergence of the season's various plotlines writing, ""Chapter Seven: The Bridge" is yet another grand convergence for the cast as all the various factions come back together at WSQK to figure out a plan strong enough to prevent Vecna from merging realities and wiping out their very existence. Everyone plays a part, including minor characters who share in the hero energy like Robin's girlfriend Vickie (Amybeth McNulty), Mr. Clark, and another feisty turn by Karen Wheeler (Cara Buono)."[24] In a more muted review, Kelly Lawler of USA Today called the episode "a shockingly underwhelming conclusion to part two of three of the final season of a series as bombastic, twisty and relentless as Stranger Things", noting that "our villain Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) is in exactly the same place he was three episodes ago". She also questioned some other elements of the plot, feeling that there were several "convenient developments", such as Karen being convinced to stay in the hospital, Holly being kidnapped again, and Will's characterization during his early scenes in the episode with Joyce and his decision to come out to everyone, noting "his mom, his brother and all his friends declare their support and hug him, while his acquaintances look on awkwardly".[25] Writing for Esquire, Brady Langmann praised the coming out scene, stating, "thankfully, the Duffers wrote a beautiful coming-out scene for Will" but felt the scenes at the Creel House with Holly and the other children were inexplicable.[26] Daniel D'Addario of Variety also lauded the scene, writing that "a pivotal character opening up about being queer on a show as massive as Stranger Things, feels seismic — and, oddly, like the culmination of a very long journey" and praised the writing, declaring that it "strikes an emotional chord".[27]
Giving the episode a B+ grade, Saloni Gajjar of The A.V. Club declared that "Stranger Things packs an emotional punch as it sets the stage for its finale" and praised the "much-welcome reunion" of the characters in the episode. They also praised the reconciliation of Steve and Dustin, and the performances of Sadie Sink and Caleb McLaughlin in the opening at the hospital, stating, "Sink, a natural scene-stealer, and McLaughlin turn in season five's strongest performances in this scene". Of Will's coming out scene, they stated, "it's a very moving (although, admittedly, a little cheesy) speech that ends in a big group hug. Aww. I do think watching it will be beneficial to younger ST fans, but it's a bit wild to shoehorn this huge moment right at the end of the penultimate hour." They also praised the directing, writing that "one of the most badass Stranger Things shots of all time is when Nancy pops out of the truck's roof wearing military gear, professionally shooting at all the people who are stopping them from entering the Upside Down."[28] Jen Chaney of TV Guide also praised Will's coming out, noting that while it "may seem a bit pat and unrealistic" for someone in the 80s to be so readily accepted, "to show a young man claiming his identity and being met with nothing but love, especially during what has been one of the more terrifying years to be a queer person in America in quite some time, is still a powerful thing for a mass audience to see and absorb. Maybe it isn't executed with quite the elegance that it could have been. But it matters, especially to any of those Gen Z-ers who have been watching Stranger Things since elementary school and feeling afraid to be who they are. Their favorite show just showed them that they can, and it will be OK."[29] Rebecca Luther of TVLine also lauded the scene, declaring it "the Will Byers moment we've been waiting for", and calling the moment Will comes out as "cathartic" and praised Schnapp's performance, describing him as "excellent" during his extended monologue.[30]
Notes
↑At the end of "Chapter Five: Shock Jock", Dustin uses Brenner's research to discover that the Upside Down is not, in fact, another realm, but a bridge between the real world and another realm entirely, which he subsequently names the Abyss.
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