'Stranger Things': Does A Movie Poster In Holly's Room Hint At How Her Story Arc Will Unfold?

WARNING! SPOILERS for Stranger Things season five, Vol.1.

By now, most fans will have already watched the first four episodes of Stranger Things fifth and final season, known collectively as Vol.1. The central event of these episodes is the disappearance of Holly Wheeler, younger sister of Mike and Nancy Wheeler. Similar to Will Byers in the show's first season, Holly was abducted by a Demogorgon, and as we now know, both kidnappings occurred under the orders of Vecna/Henry Creel. Following Holly's kidnapping at the beginning of 5x02, most of Vol.1 is spent on the gang's efforts to locate and rescue Holly, and protect Holly's school classmates, many of whom have now become targets of Vecna.

Throughout the series' run, Stranger Things has regularly made use of Easter Eggs showcasing other beloved or iconic pieces of popculture, sometimes hinting at elements of a season's plot. The most obvious example of this so far in season five is the use of Madeleine L'Engle's classic science-fantasy novel, A Wrinkle In Time. Holly's class appears to be studying the book, which prompts those who are visited by Vecna/Henry to nickname him Mr. Whatsit, and inspires Holly to compare Max's plan to escape from Vecna's mindscape to the Murry siblings' escape from the corrupted world of Camazotz.

However, some fans believe they have spotted another potential clue in Holly's bedroom decor.

'An American Tail'

On a few occasions throughout season five's first two episodes, a poster for Steven Spielberg and Don Bluth's 1986 animated film, An American Tail, is clearly visible on Holly Wheeler's bedroom wall. The film focused on the Mousekewitz Family, most notably middle child and only son Fievel. Initially living in Russia, the Mousekewitzes are lured to emigrate to America on the promise that there are no cats there.

During their ship voyage, Fievel is accidentally washed overboard, and his heartbroken family believe him dead. However, Fievel survives, and eventually makes it to America, where he is soon taken under the wing of streetwise teen mouse immigrant Tony Toponi, who promises to help him find his family.

Fievel's search is delayed by the unfortunate but predictable reveal that the promise of America as a cat-less country was false, and he is captured after discovering that local con 'rat' Warren is actually a small, disguised cat. Fievel then befriends a 'vegetarian' cat, Tiger, who helps him escape.

The young mouse later thinks up, and plays a vital role, in a plan to remove the cats from New York City. Then, finally, Fievel is reunited with his family.

What does this have to do with 'Stranger Things'?

Well, there are a few possible parallels between An American Tail's plot and Holly Wheeler's current storyline in Stranger Things season five. Fievel's family being lured to America on a false promise is similar to Vecna luring Holly with the Henry/Mr. Whatsit persona and false promise of saving her from the monsters when he is in fact the worst monster of all. Holly's new alliance with Max, who is older, and more knowledgable about how Henry's mindscape works, can be compared to Fievel's friendship with Tony Toponi.

Looking ahead to Vol.2, Tiger, an enemy who becomes a friend, could be represented by the now 'Delightful' Derek Turnbow. Though Derek was a bully to Holly in his first appearance, he has been attempting reform. Last seen, he was being dragged away by a Demogorgon, where he will most likely join Holly in Vecna's mindscape as the only other child who knows the full truth about Henry's lies.

However, perhaps the biggest parallel will be Holly's importance in the plans to come. Series creators the Duffer Brothers have said Holly is a central element of the final season, and that will likely continue in upcoming episodes as she and Max hash out the details of their escape plan.

We can't wait to see how things unfold when Vol.2 of Stranger Things final season hits Netflix later this month.