General Information

• Director: Andy Muschietti
• Main Cast: Bill Skarsgård (Pennywise), Jaeden Lieberher (Bill), Finn Wolfhard (Richie), Sophia Lillis (Beverly), Jeremy Ray Taylor (Ben), Chosen Jacobs (Mike), Jack Dylan Grazer (Eddie), Wyatt Oleff (Stanley)
• Genre: Horror, Thriller
• Runtime: 135 minutes

Plot

Based on Stephen King’s 1986 novel, IT follows a group of children in the town of Derry, Maine, who are terrorized by a shape-shifting entity that primarily takes the form of a clown named Pennywise. Every 27 years, Pennywise emerges from hiding to prey on the fears of children. As each child faces their deepest fears, they come together as the “Losers’ Club” to confront and defeat the monstrous clown before it claims more lives.

Highlights

1. Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise
   • Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Pennywise is both chilling and captivating. His unsettling physicality, eerie voice modulation, and menacing gaze bring a fresh, terrifying quality to the character, making Pennywise both unpredictable and profoundly disturbing. Skarsgård’s Pennywise is a blend of nightmare fuel and darkly playful malice that keeps viewers on edge.
2. The Losers’ Club
   • The young cast members give strong, authentic performances, making each character relatable and likable. Their chemistry and camaraderie make the Losers’ Club’s bond feel genuine, grounding the story and giving emotional depth to their struggles. The actors bring humor, fear, and bravery to their roles, which enhances the story’s impact and makes the horror elements more potent.
3. Direction and Cinematography
   • Andy Muschietti’s direction balances horror and heart, creating an immersive atmosphere that mixes jump scares with a building sense of dread. The cinematography captures the nostalgic yet foreboding small-town setting of Derry, blending vibrant colors with dark, unsettling visuals. Muschietti’s use of close-ups on Pennywise and the creative framing of the children’s encounters with him elevate the horror experience, immersing viewers in the terror.
4. Horror Elements
   • The film succeeds in creating both psychological and visual horror, avoiding over-reliance on jump scares and instead using Pennywise’s presence to instill a deep-rooted fear. Each encounter with Pennywise is creatively staged to reflect the specific fears of the children, making each scene unique and disturbing. The horror is layered with tension, building an atmosphere that keeps the audience invested and uneasy throughout.
5. Themes of Fear and Friendship
   • IT explores the power of fear, both real and imagined, as well as the strength that comes from friendship and resilience. The Losers’ Club’s fight against Pennywise serves as a metaphor for facing inner demons, showing how courage and unity can overcome even the most terrifying challenges. The coming-of-age aspects of the story provide depth, giving the film an emotional core that resonates beyond the horror.
6. Visual Effects and Makeup
   • The visual effects and makeup for Pennywise enhance his supernatural, otherworldly nature. From the disturbing movement of his eyes to the shape-shifting horrors he unleashes, the effects are impressively executed, making Pennywise an unforgettable horror figure.

Criticisms

• Pacing: Some viewers felt that certain scenes were slower-paced, particularly in the middle of the film, as it balances character development and horror.
• Minor Changes from the Novel: While the adaptation is widely praised, certain elements from Stephen King’s original novel were omitted or altered, which may leave fans of the book wanting a more faithful retelling.

Verdict

IT (2017) is a masterful blend of horror, nostalgia, and emotional storytelling, bringing Stephen King’s iconic tale to life for a new generation. With stellar performances, particularly from Bill Skarsgård and the young cast, and a compelling mix of scares and heart, it stands as one of the most memorable horror films of the decade. The film’s focus on friendship and courage gives it depth beyond the scares, making it a powerful, chilling, and poignant horror experience.

Rating: 9/10