I watched IT (2017) and I really liked it! 4/5
–
“It” (2017), directed by Andy Muschietti, is a cinematic triumph that breathed new life into Stephen King’s iconic novel. The film captures the essence of King’s terror-inducing narrative, delivering a spine-chilling experience that is both faithful to the source material and refreshingly innovative.
Visually, “IT” excels in creating a tangible atmosphere of dread. The town of Derry, Maine is portrayed as a hauntingly picturesque yet unsettling setting, where sinister forces lurk beneath the surface. The film’s cinematography, masterfully handled by Chung-hoon Chung, employs clever use of shadows and angles to heighten the sense of foreboding. The dark, rain-soaked streets and claustrophobic sewers become integral elements of the story, contributing to the film’s immersive quality.
The heart of “IT” lies in its ensemble cast of young actors. The Losers’ Club, a group of children grappling with the horrors that plague their town, are the true stars of the film. Their camaraderie is palpable, and their performances are nothing short of exceptional. Each member of the cast brings depth and authenticity to their respective characters, creating a genuine emotional investment from the audience.
Bill Skarsgård‘s portrayal of Pennywise the Dancing Clown is a revelation. Skarsgård taps into the primal fear of clowns, infusing the character with a malevolence that is truly skin-crawling. His ability to switch between childlike innocence and pure malevolence is the stuff of nightmares, making Pennywise a formidable and unforgettable antagonist.
The film’s narrative structure, which alternates between the past and present, effectively mirrors the original novel’s dual timelines. This approach provides rich character development, allowing the audience to intimately connect with the children and their adult counterparts. It also contributes to the film’s thematic depth, exploring the lingering impact of childhood trauma and the resilience required to confront it.
One of the film’s triumphs is its ability to balance horror with genuine heart and humor. The natural camaraderie of the Losers’ Club infuses moments of levity, offering much-needed respite from the unrelenting terror. These moments of camaraderie provide a stark contrast to the lurking evil of Pennywise, reinforcing the strength of friendship as the ultimate weapon against darkness.
However, “IT” occasionally succumbs to typical horror tropes. Jump scares, while effective in their execution, are relied upon a bit too heavily. There are instances where subtlety could have been more powerful than the jolt of a sudden loud noise. Additionally, some of the CGI effects, particularly in the climactic scenes, teeter on the edge of excess, threatening to pull the audience out of the meticulously constructed world.
Thematically, “IT” delves into the nature of fear itself, examining how it manifests in various forms. Pennywise preys on individual fears, exploiting them to devastating effect. The film also explores the idea of collective trauma and the resilience required to confront and conquer the darkest aspects of our past.
In conclusion, “IT” (2017) is a masterful adaptation that captures the essence of Stephen King’s novel while adding its own distinct visual flair. The performances, particularly Skarsgård’s haunting turn as Pennywise, elevate the film to a new standard of horror excellence. While it occasionally leans on familiar genre conventions, its ability to infuse genuine heart and camaraderie into the narrative sets it apart. “IT” is a harrowing descent into Derry’s nightmarish realm that will linger in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll.