The final chapters of Stranger Things Season 5 are delivering big emotional moments, and one director has a special connection to a key scene. Shawn Levy, an executive producer and frequent director for the series, recently shared his deep feelings about the ending of Episode 6, titled “Escape From Camazotz”. For Levy, directing the scene where Max and Holly flee from Vecna’s mind was a powerful experience that brought his work on the show full circle.
The episode is part of Volume 2, which Netflix released on December 25. The final episode of the entire series is scheduled for a unique release on December 31, streaming on Netflix and playing in select theaters.
A Director’s Personal Connection to Max’s Journey
In “Escape From Camazotz,” Max and Holly are trapped in the abstract landscape of Vecna’s mind, desperately searching for a way back to their own world. The climax sees them running through a strange red void toward portals that lead to safety. For Shawn Levy, this sequence was deeply meaningful because it directly connected to his past work on the show.
Levy directed the celebrated Season 4 episode “Dear Billy,” which featured Max’s first harrowing escape from Vecna. He says the new scene in Season 5 serves as a “bookend” to that earlier moment. The visual similarities are intentional, featuring the same red void, an epic running scene, and a new version of the iconic song “Running Up That Hill”.
“It’s certainly a sequence that I’ll cherish forever,” Levy told Variety. “It served as a bookend to ‘Dear Billy’ in many ways, and it allowed Sadie and I to revisit that sequence from the end of ‘Dear Billy’ that we will carry with us forever.”
Levy praised the performances of Sadie Sink (Max) and Nell Fisher (Holly), calling it a “privilege” to direct a scene that required such emotional weight from both actresses.
The Powerful Scene Between Max and Holly
The emotional core of the episode’s ending rests on the interaction between Max and Holly as they prepare to make their escape. Holly is scared of being left behind, but Max gives her strength and reassurance. In a touching moment, Max thanks Holly for helping her find a memory of Henry Creel, something Max had never fully understood before.
Max tells Holly they must find their own separate paths out. As they run, Max sees a glimpse of the real world through a cloudy portal—her body lying in a hospital basement with Lucas holding her, waiting for her to return. This vision of Lucas and the sound of the radio become her target. The episode concludes with both girls running in their own directions to break free from Vecna’s grasp.
Max’s Return and New Role in the Fight
The story continues directly in Episode 7, “The Bridge,” which Shawn Levy co-directed with the show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer. This episode begins with Max returning to life and reuniting with Lucas.
Levy explained that Max’s experience gives the group a crucial advantage. Having been “on the other side,” she has unique insight into Vecna’s realm. Levy described this as her new “superpower,” making her an essential ally in planning the final attack on Vecna.
The director also shared a memorable moment from filming Max’s return. The first scene where a conscious Max speaks to Lucas was captured in just one take, with both Sink and Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas) delivering performances that moved the crew.
Other Major Developments in Volume 2
While Max’s escape is a focal point, the release of Volume 2 included other significant plot developments across Episodes 5, 6, and 7.
A major moment occurs in Episode 7 with Will Byers’ emotional coming-out scene. Will confesses to his friends that he is different and shares that he once had feelings for someone who could not feel the same way—strongly implied to be Mike. Director Shawn Levy worked closely with actor Noah Schnapp on the scene, noting that Schnapp brought personal experience to his performance. Levy highlighted that the reactions from Will’s friends, played by his castmates, were authentic and unscripted.
The long-running relationship between Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byers also reaches a turning point. In Episode 6, after a near-death experience, they have a raw and honest conversation that leads to a breakup, finally concluding the show’s classic love triangle.
Volume 2 also provides new lore, explaining that Eleven’s powers originated from a blood transfusion involving Henry Creel and that the military is still hunting her to recreate the experiment. This sets up high stakes for the series finale, with characters facing profound questions about sacrifice.
Looking Toward the Series Finale
With the finale arriving on December 31, Shawn Levy has teased an emotional ending. He recalled watching the final episode for the first time and being so moved he had to call the Duffer brothers in tears. He promises the finale explains a lot and pays off the many character stories in a satisfying way.
Levy also reflected on his final day on set, which he spent alone in the iconic Wheeler basement, soaking in a decade of memories. He stated that being part of the show has “changed me forever”.
As for unanswered questions, Levy confirmed that the mysterious briefcase a young Henry Creel encountered holds more secrets to be revealed. All will be settled when Stranger Things says its final goodbye on New Year’s Eve.
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