1. Plot Summary
Set in the late 1980s in the small town of Derry, Maine, It follows seven outcast kids—collectively known as the “Losers’ Club”—who are tormented by a shape-shifting, supernatural evil that emerges every 27 years to prey on children. This entity most often appears as Pennywise the Dancing Clown (Bill Skarsgård), but it also takes on deeper, more personal forms tied to each child’s worst fears. As the Losers unite, they form a bond to face both their inner demons and the real monster in their town.
2. Notable Elements
- Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise: Skarsgård’s performance is truly unsettling—not over-the-top, but eerily playful and predatory. Roger Ebert notes how his calm teasing makes the sudden bursts of violence more shocking.
- The Losers’ Club: The cast of young actors (Jaeden Lieberher, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, etc.) brings genuine chemistry. Their friendship feels real, and their personal stories (bullying, family trauma) give the horror emotional weight.
- Tone & Nostalgia: Director Andy Muschietti sets the film in 1988–89 (rather than the 1950s of the original novel), giving it a retro-fantasy feel that echoes films like The Goonies or Stand by Me.
- Visual & Musical Style: The cinematography and score (Benjamin Wallfisch) effectively balance creepy, dreamlike horror with moments of warmth and camaraderie.
- Scary Set Pieces: Scenes like Georgie and his paper boat in the rain-gutter are simple yet terrifying. The film also skillfully uses the children’s fears, allowing Pennywise to manifest them in grotesque, often symbolic ways.
Shortcomings:
- Some critics feel that the final confrontation in the sewers (the “lair”) becomes visually confusing and over-reliant on CGI, which weakens the horror’s impact.
- The film’s tone sometimes leans into familiar horror tropes (clowns, creepy houses), which a few reviewers argue feels less original.
3. Themes & Messages
- Facing Fear: A central theme is that fear is deeply personal and powerful. The Losers must confront not just a monster, but their own insecurities and traumas.
- Friendship & Unity: The strength of the Losers’ bond is what allows them to fight Pennywise. Their friendship symbolizes hope and resilience in the face of evil.
- Childhood Trauma & Abuse: Some of the “real-world” horror comes from neglect, bullying, or abusive adults—suggesting that horror isn’t only supernatural.
- Cycle of Evil: Pennywise’s reappearance every 27 years reflects a cyclical, almost generational evil that mirrors how trauma can recur if not confronted.
These themes resonate beyond holiday sentiments, but in a reflective season, one could connect the ideas of confronting darkness, standing together, and healing through shared courage.
4. Personal Impressions
What Works Really Well:
- The film feels like a summer-camp horror movie mixed with real emotional stakes. I was invested in the kids, not just the scares.
- Skarsgård’s Pennywise is one of the strongest parts — unpredictable, frightening, and somehow sadistic and playful.
- The production design, together with the ’80s setting, gives the film a nostalgic yet unsettling atmosphere that feels both familiar and uncanny.
What Didn’t Fully Land for Me:
- In the latter half, some horror moments rely heavily on CGI, which occasionally lessens the tension.
- While the kids’ backstories are strong, a few characters feel underexplored given how many there are.
- The pacing drags a little in places — build-up is mostly good, but the payoff could be tighter.
5. Audience Recommendations
You’ll probably love It (2017) if you:
- Enjoy coming-of-age stories mixed with horror.
- Like classic monster / supernatural horror, but with emotional depth.
- Appreciate a nostalgic ’80s setting and strong ensemble of young actors.
It might be less for you if you:
- Dislike horror with jump scares or clowns.
- Prefer horror that’s more grounded or less fantastical.
- Want a short, fast-paced horror — this movie takes its time building up dread.
6. Conclusion & Rating
It (2017) is a powerful, frightening, and surprisingly heartfelt horror movie. It balances genuine scares with a poignant story about childhood, fear, and friendship. While not perfect, it stands as one of the more compelling modern Stephen King adaptations.
Final Recommendation: Highly recommended for horror fans and anyone who enjoys “monster stories” with emotional stakes.
Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)
