It was released in 2017 and directed by Andrey Muschietti, It, is a retelling of Stephen King’s acclaimed novel by the same name published in 1986. The film takes a new approach on the old tale, mixing the aspects of supernatural fright and engaging drama of growing up, which pleases audiences accross the globe and certainly makes it one of the best horror movies out there. The film taps into a story that has multitude of themes: fear, friendship, and resilience while also putting the most interesting villain, Pennywise the Dancing Clown to life.
Rather, it is fantastic voyage that challenges our emotions. Its stemmes issues of overwhelmed fear. The film’s striking visuals and powerful performances do justice to the words lacking unity. In all aspects, the film has become a new standard for horror cinema in the 21st century.
Plot Overview – Two Derry Derries
Set in 1989, the magic unfolds within the quaint town of Derry Maine, which has a horrifying silhouette as children continue to disapper without a trace. The film opens with the chilling disappearance of Georgie Denbrought (portrayed by Jackson Robert Scott), who falls into a storm drain chasing after a dancing clown, Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård). Georgie’s older brother, who is greatly affected by the loss, Bill Denbrough (Jaeden Martell), is determined to understand what truly happened – which futher compels the plot.
Bill joins forces with a group of outcast boys who call themselves the Losers’ Club with their members being Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis), Richie Tozier (Finn Wolfhard), Eddie Kaspbrak (Jack Dylan Grazer), Ben Hanscom (Jeremy Ray Taylor), Mike Hanlon (Chosen Jacobs), Stanley Uris (Wyatt Oleff). Each member of the Losers’ Club has met Pennywise in a way that exploits their greatest fears.
As they dig deeper, the Losers’ Club learn that an ancient evil with the name Pennywise, that rises every 27 years to feast on the children of the town is the reason for the horror that has descended upon Derry. To kill the creature, they have to confront their own demons and summon their friendship to face him in a final battle inside the sewers where the creature lurks.
Friendship, Resilience, and Fear are the major themes displayed in the movie.
Having a Fear about Something or Someone
The film brilliantly captures the different aspects of fear both on an individual and global scale. Pennywise is a living nightmare that every character has ever dreamt of and exploits his or her insecurities. This theme settles well with audience as fear is something all people encounter. It is emphasized greatly in the film that fear is at its most powerful when tackled alone, but can easily be overcome by bravery and unity.
The Bond of Friendship
In essence, it is equally about friendship as it is about fear. The emotional center of the film is the bond shared by The Losers’ Club which illustrates the distinct strength that comes from being unified. Their companionship not just enables them challenge Pennywise, but also makes the cruel reality of adulthood a little more bearable.
Post-Traumatic Growth
That movie is also about coming out of a trauma and losing one’s naivety. Every member of the Losers club had individual issues to tend to from Beverly’s abusive father to Bill’s anguish as his younger brother Georgie went missing. The fight against Pennywise is just a metaphor for how they are able to tackle these real-life issues which is the beauty of the film.
Performances: The Young Pack
The collection of young actors gives astonishing performances which are free from artifice.
Jaeden Martell as Bill Denbrough plays a grieving sibling with muted desperation, and strong instincts. He naturally assumes the role of leader of the group.
Sophia Lillis as Beverly Marsh gives a truly breathtaking performance, thin yet tough as a young woman struggling with abuse and ostracism.
Comedic relief during the film’s tense scenes are provided by Finn Wolfhard in the role of the wisecracking Richie Tozier.
The Losers’ Club is completed by Jack Dylan Grazer, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Chosen Jacobs and Wyatt Oleff, who capture the complexity of their characters’ fears and their fighting spirit.
Skarsgard Bill’s performance as Pennywise is impressive as he articulates the sadistic charm required for the role. Aided by the character’s uncanny appearance and movement, Skarsguard’s chilling performance solidifies Pennywise’s status as one of the most frightening horror villains.
Manner of filming: Atmospheric and haunting
The novel by Stephen King is brought to life by Andy Muschietti with the perfect touch of atmosphere, suspense, and visceral horror. His cinematography shows the eerie charm of Derry in its street and the gnarled, terrifying sewers. The lighting coupled with the muted colors adds to the feeling of fear.
Pennywise’s transformations and the demented versions of the Losers’ fears are horrifying and mesmerizing. A blend of CGI and practical effects create a world that feels both real and horrific.
Benjamin’s Wallfisch’s eerie score works as an excellent backdrop, building on the suspense with its strange melodies and jarring crescendos. Alongside the sound design, which makes every creak, whisper, and clownish laughter feel threatening, the viewers are truly immersed within the film.
Reception and Legacy
The movie received a critical and commercial reception with estimates of it making over 700 million dollars in revenue while it was the most grossing horror film at the time of its release. The film was praised for its mix of horror and heart and Bill Skarsgård’s performance of Pennywise was highly appreciated by the critics.
The film’s success triggered keen interest in Stephen King’s works and propelled his works into a renaissance in the cinema. The adult lives of the Losers’ Club was further explored in It’s Chapter Two (2019), where they revisited the beloved characters.
Criticisms and Limitations
Despite the general praise of It, a few ‘critics’ pointed out the underdevelopment of certain characters like Mike Hanlon. Even though the CGI aimed scare tactics gained criticism for being too polished, the lack of development did distract from the film’s overall tone.
The Conclusion of a Modern Classic Horror: It (2017) is more than a horror film. It is a captivating, emotionally wrenching, and visually vibrant film that moves above the realm of the genre. With heartful stories paired with supernatural terror, Andy Muschietti has crafted a cinematic experience that appeals both horror enthusiasts and general audiences. With the outstanding cast combined with skillful directing and a story that resonates on so many levels, It is an astounding adaptation of Stephen King that stands among the best in modern horror – the genre itself. It does not matter if you are overwhelmed by the sheer terror of the villain or drawn by the emotional depth, nostalgic portrayal of childhood, it leaves an impression that lingers much after the credits.
Watch Free Movies on Fmovies