Movie Review: IT (MA15+) 9/10

Horror film faithful to King masterpiece

Reminiscent of the 1990 mini-series but with twice the scare, IT is the must-see horror film of the year, if not the decade.

Based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name and directed by Andy Muschietti (Mama), the film opts to only take on the childhood half of King’s story and jumps it to the late 80s instead of the 1950s – presumably so the expected chapter two can take place in our present day.

The story takes place in the fictitious town of Derry, Maine, and centres on a group of seven young outcasts known as the Losers Club.

After Bill’s (Jaeden Lieberher) little brother George (Jackson Robert Scott) disappears amid a spate of missing children cases, the club begins to investigate, only to be haunted by Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the process.

The club’s investigation leads them to a centuries-old curse on the town and the understanding that Pennywise can embody their worst fears and prey upon them.

IT is more than a horror film, it’s a coming-of-age story, driven by the journey and bond between the Losers Club, while they face their own personal demons.

The journey almost reminds one of other 80s classics like The Goonies and Stand By Me.

The film is well-acted all round but special mentions must be given to Bill Skarsgard, who took on the role of Pennywise and Lieberher, the leader of the Losers Club.

It is rare to see a horror film with a such layered and solid screenplay but writers Chase Palmer, Cary Fukunaga and Gary Daubman pull it off while also adding humour and emotion.

Fans of King’s novel will appreciate the faithfulness to the book but newcomers and the younger audience will also be delighted by the nightmarish spectacle.