Pennywise Returns to Terrify a New Generation: A Look at 2017’s “It”

Stephen King’s epic horror novel “It” has haunted readers for decades. In 2017, director Andrés Muschietti brought the story to life on the big screen once again, this time as a two-part film series. The first installment, simply titled “It”, successfully captured the essence of King’s chilling tale while offering some fresh frights for a modern audience.

A Familiar Story, Retold with Heart

The story follows a group of misfit kids in the seemingly sleepy town of Derry, Maine. These self-proclaimed Losers’ Club band together after a series of mysterious disappearances plague their town. Bill Denbrough, still grieving the loss of his younger brother Georgie, discovers the culprit is a nightmarish entity that preys on children’s fears, often appearing as a terrifying clown named Pennywise. As the Losers delve deeper, they uncover a horrifying truth: It has been terrorising Derry for centuries, and they may be the next generation to face its wrath.

Muschietti stays true to the core elements of King’s story, building dread and suspense throughout the film. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to connect with the characters and their individual struggles before fully unleashing the horror. We see the bullies, the overbearing parents, and the everyday anxieties that plague childhood, making the intrusion of a supernatural monster all the more terrifying.

More Than Just Scares: Filming Choices

The journey to bring “It” to the big screen wasn’t without its challenges. Originally conceived as a single film, the sheer scale of King’s novel necessitated a two-part approach. This decision ultimately paid off, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of both the characters and the mythology surrounding It. Writers Chase Palmer, Cary Fukunaga, and Gary Dauberman crafted a script that balanced scares with genuine heart, a feat not always easy in the horror genre.

Derry: A Town Where Shadows Linger

The small town of Derry plays a crucial role in the film. Muschietti uses a muted colour palette and hauntingly beautiful cinematography to create a constant sense of unease. The rain-soaked streets, the creaky houses with peeling paint, and the ever-present storm clouds all contribute to the feeling of isolation and despair that permeates Derry. Filming took place primarily in Toronto, Canada, with the city’s Port Hope standing in for the fictional town. The filmmakers did an excellent job transforming the real-life locations to create a believable and unsettling world. Keen viewers might even recognise some sneaky references to Stephen King’s other works hidden throughout the film.

The Losers’ Club: A Band of Heroes You Can Root For

The heart of the film lies with the Losers’ Club. Each child is brilliantly portrayed, bringing a unique blend of humour, vulnerability, and courage to the screen. Bill Hader delivers a standout performance as Richie Tozier, the wisecracking comedian who uses humour as a defence mechanism against his own terrors. Jaeden Martell is equally impressive as Bill Denbrough, the stuttering leader determined to save his town and get justice for his brother. The chemistry between the entire cast is undeniable, making their bond all the more believable and their triumphs all the more satisfying.

Box Office Success and a Legacy of Fear

“It” was a resounding box office success, grossing over $700 million USD worldwide. This critical and commercial acclaim paved the way for the second chapter, released in 2019. While the sequel didn’t quite capture the magic of the first film, “It” remains a worthy adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic novel. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the ability of childhood fears to truly terrify.

Final Thoughts: A Modern Horror Classic (Without Spoilers!)

So, is “It” worth a watch? Absolutely. Here’s why:

• It’s scary, but with nuance. While the film certainly delivers jump scares and unsettling imagery, it avoids relying solely on gore or cheap thrills. The true terror comes from the exploration of childhood fears and the vulnerability of the characters. We see how fear can manifest in different ways, from Beverly Marsh’s terrifying visions of her abusive father to Ben Hanscom’s monstrous manifestation of being overweight. This approach makes the scares all the more real and impactful.
• The characters are relatable heroes. Even if you weren’t a social outcast in your youth, you’ll find something to connect with in the Losers’ Club. Their struggles with bullies, overbearing parents, and self-doubt feel authentic, making their triumphs all the more rewarding. We see ourselves in their vulnerabilities and root for them to overcome their fears, both literal and metaphorical.
• It’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in a horror movie. At its core, “It” is about the power of friendship and facing your fears. The Losers’ Club learns to rely on each other, not just to defeat a monster, but to navigate the complexities of growing up. They discover the courage they never knew they possessed and the strength that comes from unity.

Who should watch this movie? Fans of Stephen King and horror films in general will find plenty to enjoy. But “It” is also a great choice for anyone who appreciates a good coming-of-age story with a healthy dose of scares. There’s something undeniably satisfying about watching a group of underdogs rise above their circumstances and confront the darkness together.

A word to the wise: If you’re easily frightened by clowns, you might want to proceed with caution. Pennywise is a truly nightmarish creation, and Bill Skarsgård’s performance is nothing short of chilling. His portrayal is genuinely unsettling, a perfect embodiment of childhood nightmares.

Overall, “It” is a well-made and entertaining horror film that stays true to the spirit of Stephen King’s source material. It’s not perfect, with a slightly rushed ending leaving room for improvement. But it’s a worthy addition to the horror genre and a film that will likely continue to terrify and resonate with audiences for years to come.