Movie Review: IT (2017)

IT (2017) Review

By

G. Bruno Fischer

It (2017) is a spook-house extravaganza where a gang of kids are tormented by the entity of evil referred only by “It” who often presents itself as the devilishly entertaining Pennywise; the dancing clown with a taste for the flesh of children. Overall the film’s a visually pleasing coming-of-age tale with talented performances from the child actors and delightful over-the-top scare-sequences that will leave you chilled and thrilled from start to finish. Due to the nature and design(s) of the film’s titular antagonist, “It” (played by Bill Skarsgård) makes for a memorable icon of horror. The film’s nonconventional mythology also elevates the final product far beyond the standards of a more modern horror movie. “It” is more than just an off-putting circus runaway lurking in the sewers below the township of Dairy, Maine; its a slow burning Lovecraftian cosmic-horror fairytale that’s just in time to please audiences anxious for October. 

At no point is there any explanation of what “It” is, where “It” came from, how “It” works, or why “It” comes every 27 years to torture the Dairy youths before dragging them into its mouldering enclave to be devoured. All we know is that “It” can (and will) transform itself into your greatest fears. The ambiguity of the film sets an ever-present somber tone that always seems to be hovering just above (or below) the young protagonists; unable to perceive or even fully comprehend the ever-present dangers that surround them. In addition to all the cosmic terror the kids are given a fair amount of character development. I was surprised by just how much screen time was given to each young performer as a means to set up the real world root of their subconscious fears (for Pennywise to later exploit) and reveal the real monsters that live among us: strangers, bullies, and even parents are portrayed in an maliciously brutal light. There’a fair number of uncomfortable scenes to further emphasize the cruel and dismal nature of the world. Little moments like these really get under your skin and strengthens the film’s foreboding atmosphere while simultaneously making you feel even worse for the children (of the self-proclaimed “loser’s club”) just in case the ravenous sewer-clown with no personal space wasn’t enough.

There’s just one problem with It and it’s not scary. The looming dread that surrounds “It” and everyone in cursed Dairy while effective is often overshadowed by the art department. And while most of the “scare-scenes” were visual appealing, creative, and occasionally gore-tastic most of them came of as a fun haunted house ride. At no point did I ever feel like any of the main character’s lives were in any serious danger but that’s kind of what do expect for a planned horror duelology with a sequel already planned for 2019. To the film’s credit there was at least one or two moments where a well-timed jump-scare accompanied by a loud BANG got me; but as we all know that’s not fear-inducing it’s startling and any git with a couple pots to bash could illicit the same response. I could also just be too desensitized from years of midnight horror movie marathons.

All in all It is a blast as a horror-themed adventure movie for kids like The Goonies or Gremlins but with more F-bombs and implied incest. It’s definitely just popcorn fun for adults but despite it’s “R” rating It would be a great introduction to horror for younger audiences. If you’re looking for something more hardcore and bone-rattling then you may be disappointed. But if you’re looking for a grade-A B-movie with good acting and solid effects then I’d recommend seeing It in theaters. Unless you have severe coulrophobia.