IT

 

Another horror pick to keep the theme coming up to Halloween. I'm sure most of you have heard of the film, ‘IT’. Whether it be the 1990 classic original movie or the newer version created in 2017. I am going to be reviewing the 2017 version which is set in 1988 in Derry, Maine. Kids are vanishing one after another in this small town, a group of bullied teenagers known as ‘The Losers Club’ encounter the culprit behind these disappearances. A shape-shifting clown who terrorises the group with their greatest fears. They then decide to go on a mission to defeat this demon which includes a string of laughs, tears, shouting and fear. This all begs the question, how can you defeat a creature who knows all of your darkest fears?

The first scene (and personally I think most horrific) of the whole movie, we see Georgie, a little boy out in the rain when he encounters the horrifying sight of Pennywise the clown lurking in a storm drain whilst chasing after his boat. I won’t ruin what happens next but let’s just say this whole scene sets the movie up for the unnerving unexpected and uniquely horrifying scenes which are shown throughout. Many scenes like this are not exactly for the faint of heart; however, the writers do an extraordinary job of uniting horror and comedy perfectly into one movie which is something I would expect to be extremely gruelling. 

There is a complete mix of emotions to be experienced, from happiness to fear, and from fear to sympathy. You will be laughing one moment and throwing your popcorn across the room from screaming the next. This along with the complexity of each character is what makes the movie so unique. We are able to get a look into the lives of each teen in the ‘Loser Club’ and delve into their backgrounds, allowing us to connect on another level and really understand the emotions each character is feeling. This causes a viewer/character connection which is vital as it allows us to feel like part of the story on some level and get a sense of what they feel. 

Bill Skarsgard’s portrayal of Pennywise is the greatest thing about this movie. Pennywise is a deranged monster from another reality which creates the illusion of complete fear, he is not like a serial killer who is human but a terrifying creature with endless possibilities. Skarsgard does an immaculate job at presenting this character in an eerie, crazed and utterly repulsive way. From his sinister voice and his unnatural blood curdling appearance, viewers will have unnerving nightmares accompanied by the soundtrack of his laugh for years to come.

It’s easy to find a scary movie to watch when you are in the mood for it. I mean there are hundreds out there, but finding an actual watchable scary movie with an engaging plot line, believable actors and quality script is the tough part. This is why IT is the perfect pick to watch on your next movie night, it won’t fail to unnerve and amuse you in the best way.

Rating

9/10