A group of kids in small-town America band together to fight an evil clown who preys on their deepest fears. The clown, named Pennywise, is a master manipulator who feeds off the children’s terror. As they confront their fears and stand up to the monster, the friends learn about courage and friendship. The terrifying clown with his red balloons becomes a metaphor for the frightening realities of growing up.
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Review
In the small town of Derry, something evil lurks beneath the surface. It feeds on fear and preys on children. And in the summer of 1989, a group of outcast kids bands together to face their worst nightmare in Stephen King’s horror classic, “It.” Director Andrés Muschietti brought this terrifying tale to life in 2017, and audiences around the world were spooked and thrilled by the film’s gripping storyline and bone-chilling scares.
The movie begins with a shocking scene that sets the tone for what’s to come. Young Georgie Denbrough is lured into a storm drain by a clown named Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård), who quickly reveals his true nature as a demonic creature with razor-sharp teeth and an insatiable hunger for children. Georgie is never seen again, and his disappearance sparks fear and panic throughout Derry.
When another local boy goes missing, a group of misfit friends known as “The Losers Club” takes it upon themselves to investigate. Led by stuttering newcomer Bill Denbrough (Jaeden Martell) and including brave Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis), chubby Ben Hanscom (Jeremy Ray Taylor), wisecracking Richie Tozier (Finn Wolfhard), hypochondriac Eddie Kaspbrak (Jack Dylan Grazer), history buff Mike Hanlon (Chosen Jacobs), and tough guy Stanley Uris (Wyatt Oleff), they soon realize that something otherworldly is stalking the town.
As they face their deepest fears and confront Pennywise head-on, The Losers Club learns that there are dark secrets lurking beneath Derry’s cheerful exterior. They also discover that they are stronger together than they ever could be alone, forming bonds of friendship that will last a lifetime.
The story of “It” has been captivating audiences since it was first published in 1986. King’s novel is a sprawling epic that spans decades and multiple generations, touching on themes of childhood trauma, memory, and the power of imagination. Muschietti’s film adaptation focuses primarily on the Losers Club’s battle against Pennywise in the summer of 1989 but still manages to capture the essence of King’s novel.
One of the standout elements of “It” is its cast of young actors, who deliver naturalistic and heartfelt performances that elevate the material. Martell is particularly impressive as Bill, giving a nuanced and layered portrayal of a grieving brother on a mission to find out what happened to his sibling. Lillis shines as Beverly, infusing her character with strength, vulnerability, and a fierce determination to fight back against her abusive father.
But it’s Skarsgård who steals the show as Pennywise. His portrayal of the iconic clown is both mesmerizing and terrifying, playing up both the character’s playful side and his malevolent streak. With his lanky frame, eerie movements, and unsettling expressions, Skarsgård turns Pennywise into a nightmare-inducing creation that will haunt viewers long after the credits have rolled.
The film also boasts an impressive score by Benjamin Wallfisch, which combines haunting piano melodies with pulse-pounding orchestral arrangements to create an atmosphere of dread and tension. The creepy visuals are enhanced by Chung-hoon Chung’s atmospheric cinematography, which captures the eerie beauty of Derry’s quaint streets while also emphasizing its dark underbelly.
“It” was not without its detractors upon release. Some viewers criticized its reliance on jump scares and CGI effects over genuine scares or atmospheric horror. There were also some complaints about changes made from King’s original story – notably in regards to Mike Hanlon’s characterization – but overall Muschietti’s adaptation was well-received by fans and critics alike.
The film went on to become a box office smash, grossing over $700 million worldwide and spawning a sequel that delves deeper into the mythology of Pennywise and The Losers Club. It’s safe to say that “It” has cemented its place as one of the most beloved horror movies of recent years, with audiences eagerly anticipating what Muschietti and company will come up with next.
In the end, what makes “It” such a successful adaptation is the way it captures the spirit of Stephen King’s novel while still standing on its own merits. The Losers Club may have defeated Pennywise for now, but Derry still holds secrets waiting to be uncovered. Will we see these characters face their fears once again? One can only hope.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 135
- Release : 2017-09-06
- Genre : Horror, Fantasy
- Cast : Jaeden Martell as Bill Denbrough, Bill Skarsgård as It, Jeremy Ray Taylor as Ben Hanscom, Sophia Lillis as Beverly Marsh, Finn Wolfhard as Richie Tozier
- Crew : Stephanie Gorin as Casting, Kelly Jones as Stunt Coordinator, Vincent Rother as Stunts, Stephen King as Novel, Roberto Campanella as Choreographer
- Popularity 126.675
- Budget : $35,000,000
- Revenue : $701,842,551
- Company : New Line Cinema, Vertigo Entertainment, Lin Pictures
- Summary : In a small town in Maine, seven children known as The Losers Club come face to face with life problems, bullies and a monster that takes the shape of a clown called Pennywise.
- Tagline : Your fears are unleashed
