How Eleven’s Silence Became Her Superpower

In the fascinating world of Hollywood, some actors possess a
unique gift for conveying profound emotions with minimal words. Millie Bobby
Brown is one such talent whose remarkable ability to communicate through subtle
expressions has set her apart. While she has explored various genres, her work
in science fiction and supernatural thrillers truly highlights her skill in
embodying complex characters who speak volumes without uttering a sound. This is something that was seen in her at a young age while being in Stranger Things.

Millie Bobby Brown’s performance proves that sometimes,
silence can be the most powerful form of storytelling.

Eleven: The silent heart of Stranger Things

Within this realm of compelling characters, Millie Bobby
Brown’s portrayal of Eleven stands out as iconic.
Despite her limited dialogue, Eleven quickly became the show’s undeniable
emotional core. In the first season, she speaks fewer than 250 words in total; to be precise, it is around “42 lines”, as Brown said in an interview on Ellen. Yet her profound presence allowed her to convey a vast spectrum of feelings, from
deep vulnerability to fierce determination. Her silent command of scenes often
spoke louder than any dialogue, firmly establishing her as a beloved and
central figure in the narrative.

For instance, in the first season, her silent, tearful
glance at Mike and the group after she uses her powers to defeat the Demogorgon
eloquently conveyed her exhaustion, sacrifice, and deep bond with her friends,
all without a single word. This adds to how she uses her expression as dialogue.

This skilled use of facial expressions as a form of silent
dialogue underlines Millie Bobby Brown’s exceptional acting toolbox

Facial expression as dialogue: Millie Bobby Brown’s acting toolbox

Millie Bobby Brown’s acting prowess is evident in her
remarkable use of facial expressions, which truly serve as her primary form of
communication. Acting coaches have consistently praised her mastery of micro-expressions,
allowing her to convey intense fear, unwavering defiance, or profound affection
without uttering a single word. A striking example is the complex mix of wonder
and nascent joy on her face when she first discovers Eggos in the woods, or the
deep sadness and resolute determination etched on her face during her emotional
farewell to Mike in the Upside Down.

This deliberate portrayal reinforces that her silence is not
just a characterization choice, but also sets her apart

The creative decision behind Eleven’s silence

The deliberate choice to limit Eleven’s speech was a
creative decision by the Duffer Brothers, aimed at emphasizing her deep-seated
trauma, extreme isolation, and lack of conventional social conditioning. Millie
Bobby Brown discussed the unique experience of playing a mostly non-verbal role
as Eleven in Stranger Things during her extended interview on Ellen. She
explained that having to “talk with your eyes, and your face”
was “definitely a challenge,” but also highlighted how it set
her apart from other actors.

This intentional choice enhanced not only the emotional
depth of Eleven’s character but also magnified the impact of her silence,
making her presence on screen even more powerful.

Eleven’s silence made her mysterious and more powerful

Eleven’s enigmatic silence significantly contributed to her
mystique, elevating her to the status of a revered and somewhat feared figure
within the Stranger Things universe. This lack of constant chatter creates
an aura of mystery around her, much like iconic characters such as Wolverine or
Furiosa from Mad Max: Fury Road, whose formidable power stems more from
their commanding presence than from extensive exposition.

For example, when Eleven confronts the bullies at the quarry
in Season 1, she does not issue threats or explain her intentions; instead, she
silently lifts Troy into the air with her powers, a chilling display of control
that instantly establishes her unpredictable nature, leaving both the
characters and the audience in awe and fear. This powerful wordless action
speaks volumes about her capabilities.

This silent display of strength not only reveals Eleven’s
formidable powers but also invites viewers to interpret and emotionally engage
with her actions on a deeper level.

The audience filled the silence with meaning

Eleven’s quiet nature allowed the audience to actively
participate in her character development, projecting their own emotions and
interpretations onto her silent reactions. This unique dynamic forged an
incredibly strong and personal bond between Eleven and the viewers,
transforming her into a vessel for shared feelings and unspoken understanding.
The absence of verbal cues invited a bottomless level of engagement, making her
an intensely relatable figure despite her extraordinary circumstances.

This resonant silence not only fosters audience empathy but
also subtly reflects the internal struggles rooted in her traumatic past.

Silence as a form of trauma communication

Beyond being a mere stylistic choice, Eleven’s silence
served as a potent form of communication, mirroring psychological patterns
often observed in real-world trauma survivors. Her inability or reluctance to
speak openly was a powerful depiction of the emotional and mental impact of her
experiences, providing a portrayal of how deeply ingrained trauma
can manifest. This aspect added a layer of profound realism to her character,
making her journey of healing resonate with a wider audience.

For instance, in Season 1, Eleven’s initial inability to
articulate her terrifying experiences at Hawkins Lab, beyond simple phrases, conveys the crushing weight of her trauma and abuse. This
exploration of Eleven’s compelling silence highlights how non-verbal cues and
audience interpretation collectively shape some of the most enduring characters
in cinematic history. Not only as Eleven, but in all her roles, Millie Bobby
Brown never fails to stand out as a character.

What are your views on
Millie Bobby Brown’s masterful use of silence and facial expressions in
Stranger Things that deepen Eleven’s character?