‘The OA’ creator Brit Marling breaks silence about ‘Stranger Things’ comparisons

“The OA” co-writer, executive producer and star Brit Marling (Prairie) has recently opened up about comparisons between their show and American science fiction-horror TV series, “Stranger Things.” She said the comparisons are not tiring at all but thinks they are awesome.

Marling believes that the comparison between “The OA” and “Stranger Things” are a great example of the collective unconscious. She recognises that both shows are drawing from the same atmosphere.

“We’re drawing from the same ether,” she said. Both shows talk about young people making things around the same time. Characters from both series feel the same sentiments about friendship through a young girl who shares something with others. "Stranger Things" lead character Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) confronts terrifying forces much like "The OA's" Prairie (Marling).

Marling said she actually does not think it’s an accident that there is convergence in themes. “I think it’s actually quite beautiful – it means we’re all hunting around the same thing. She feels it would be better if there are more people on the same page.”

A promising lead character is one of the things that both series share. It is also one of the things that invite comparisons between the two.

The show focuses on an investigation into the disappearance of a young boy amid supernatural events occurring around town, including the appearance of a psychokinetic girl. The show experiments into the paranormal and supernatural and involves humans as subjects.

Marling thinks it is funny because “The OA” is not really a television show. “It’s got basically nothing in common with TV other than it’s longer than two hours,” she exclaimed.

“The OA” centres on the story of a young woman named Prairie Johnson who has returned after she has gone missing for several years. She now calls herself "The OA,” which some viewers think means the original angel.

The series also stars Emory Cohen (Homer Roberts), Scott Wilson (Abel Johnson) Phyllis Smith (Elizabeth "Betty" Broderick-Allen), Alice Krige (Nancy Johnson) Patrick Gibson (Steve Winchell) among others. Paz Vega (Renata), Robert Morgan (Sheriff Stan Markham) and Michael Cumpsty (Dr Leon Citro) are some of its guest stars.

Meanwhile, “Stranger Things” is dubbed as television’s highlight for 2016. It is created, written, directed and co-executive produced by the Duffer Brothers.

“The OA” season 1 was shown in Australia on Netflix. It is expected that season 2 of the series will showcase more of Buck. Air date for its second season is expected to be announced in the near future.