Fans of Anne with an E will forever remember Amybeth McNulty as the spirited, poetic Anne Shirley. Her performance in the sprawling landscapes of Prince Edward Island was defined by a rare kind of vulnerability and an infectious imagination that made us all feel like “kindred spirits.” Seeing her trade the puff sleeves of Avonlea for the 1980s style of Hawkins in Stranger Things Season 5, Volume Two, is a full-circle moment for viewers who have followed her career.
In her role as Vickie Dunne, McNulty brings a grounded, relatable energy to a series that is currently reaching its most chaotic and supernatural peak. While she was introduced as Robin’s bandmate and crush, Volume Two sees her step into a much more pivotal role. No longer just a girl in the background, Vickie is now a candy striper volunteer at Hawkins Hospital, placing her right in the line of fire. One of the most intense sequences in the new episodes features her alongside Robin and Lucas, bravely defending a vulnerable Max from a terrifying Demodog assault.
Connecting her past as Anne to her current role as Vickie highlights just how much McNulty has grown as a performer. It is a testament to her versatility that she can move from the whimsical, period-drama dialogue of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s world to the high-stakes, action-oriented tension of a sci-fi phenomenon. The “Ronance” shippers finally got their payoff as her relationship with Robin turned official, but McNulty ensures Vickie is more than just a love interest. She portrays a young woman trying to maintain a sense of normalcy and hope while her town literally tears at the seams.
As we watch the final chapters of the Hawkins saga unfold, seeing a familiar face like McNulty’s is a treat for long-time fans. Whether she is sharing a quiet, nervous laugh with Robin in a hospital hallway or standing her ground against the creatures of the Upside Down, she continues to be a standout talent who commands the screen with grace and authenticity.