IT
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Synopsis
In the summer of 1989, a group of bullied kids band together to face a shape-shifting, child-eating monster that has been hunting the town of Derry, Maine for centuries, often taking the form of Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
Plot
In October 1988, in the town of Derry, Maine, young Georgie Denbrough is lured into a storm drain and murdered by a shape-shifting entity taking the form of Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Months later, in the summer of 1989, Georgie’s older brother Bill and his group of misfit friends—known as the Losers’ Club—realize that a terrifying curse plagues their town.
Every 27 years, “It” awakens to feed on the fear and flesh of Derry’s children. As the Losers are individually targeted by Pennywise, who manifests as their worst personal fears, they must also deal with the horrors of the real world, including abusive parents and a violent gang of local bullies led by Henry Bowers.
Realizing the adults in the town are either oblivious or under the entity’s dark influence, the children decide they must stick together, overcome their individual traumas, and venture into the sewers to defeat the monster themselves.
Ending Explained
After Pennywise kidnaps Beverly, the remaining Losers travel to the abandoned Neibolt House and descend into the town’s sewer system to rescue her. In the clown’s subterranean lair, they find Beverly in a catatonic state floating in the air, surrounded by the floating bodies of all the missing children. Ben breaks her trance with a kiss.
Pennywise attacks the group, shifting into their various fears and attempting to manipulate Bill by offering to spare the others if he sacrifices himself. The Losers refuse, realizing that Pennywise’s power relies entirely on their fear.
They overcome their terror and attack the clown collectively, inflicting severe physical damage. Terrified and weakened, Pennywise retreats deep into hibernation down a dark chasm. The floating children slowly descend to the ground.
A month later, as the summer ends, the Losers gather and make a blood oath, promising to return to Derry to destroy “It” once and for all if the entity ever comes back.
What We Think About This Movie
What We Liked
Bill Skarsgård's terrifying, unpredictable, and deeply unsettling performance as Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
The phenomenal chemistry and natural acting of the child cast (The Losers' Club), making audiences deeply care about their survival.
The use of daylight horror, proving that true dread doesn't just hide in the dark.
The emotional depth of the story, exploring childhood trauma and the indifference of adults.
Stunning visual horror that relies on grotesque, nightmarish imagery rather than just loud jump scares.
What We Didn't Like
The plot suffers slightly from pacing issues, with a very lengthy character introduction phase at the beginning and a highly rushed ending.
Some supporting adult characters feel like caricatures of evil rather than grounded people.
Who Should Watch
Fans of Stephen King adaptations and high-quality psychological horror.
Viewers who enjoy coming-of-age stories blended with terrifying supernatural elements, akin to Stranger Things.
Audiences looking for a horror movie with genuine heart and strong character development.
Who Should Skip
Anyone with coulrophobia (a severe fear of clowns).
Highly sensitive viewers who cannot handle gore, violence, or themes involving children in mortal danger.
Movie Details
Where to Watch IT in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions About IT
Is IT based on a book?
Yes, it is an adaptation of the famous 1986 horror novel of the same name by Stephen King.
Is this a remake of the 1990 miniseries?
While it tells the same story, director Andy Muschietti approached this film as a new, closer adaptation of the original novel rather than a direct remake of the 1990 TV miniseries starring Tim Curry.
Does the movie cover the whole book?
No, the novel switches between the characters as children and as adults. The 2017 film only covers their childhood in 1989. Their return as adults is covered in the sequel, IT Chapter Two (2019).
How scary is IT?
The film is rated R for violence, bloody imagery, and terrifying jump scares. It is highly intense and not recommended for young children.
