The 2017 adaptation of Stephen King’s IT is a spine-chilling horror film that taps into the deepest fears of its audience. Directed by Andy Muschietti. The film brings to life the menacing entity that haunts the small town of Derry, Maine, feeding on the fear of its victims. At the center of the story is a group of misfit children. It is known as “The Losers’ Club,” who band together to face off against the malevolent being that takes the form of a sadistic clown named Pennywise.
Elements
One of the core elements that makes IT so terrifying is its ability to evoke primal fears. Pennywise, played with eerie intensity by Bill Skarsgård, is not just a clown. He is an embodiment of fear itself, able to shape-shift into whatever his victims are most terrified of. This constantly shifting nature keeps the characters and the audience—on edge. Never quite knowing what horrors will appear next.
Real world
The film’s use of supernatural horror is masterfully paired with real-world fears. The Losers’ Club is made up of kids who each face their own personal struggles, Bullying, family trauma, and isolation. These human fears are as potent as Pennywise himself. It grounded the film in a reality that makes the supernatural elements even more unsettling. The juxtaposition of ordinary struggles with the extraordinary terror of the clown makes IT resonate on a deeply psychological level.
Direction
Muschietti’s direction also plays with tension in brilliant ways. The film is not just a series of jump scares; it builds a sense of dread that intensifies throughout. From the moment the kids first encounter Pennywise, there’s a growing sense of inevitability—the feeling that no matter what they do, the evil in Derry will continue to haunt them. The pacing is slow and deliberate, allowing the tension to build until it becomes almost unbearable.
Appealing to the senses
The visual and auditory elements of IT contribute significantly to its horror. Cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung uses shadows and eerie lighting to create an unsettling atmosphere, while the sound design amplifies every shriek and whisper. The film’s score, composed by Benjamin Wallfisch, adds another layer of suspense, with music that swells in all the right moments, heightening the sense of impending danger.
Theme of friendship
In addition to its supernatural terror, IT is a coming-of-age story. As the Losers’ Club confronts Pennywise, they also learn about courage, friendship, and how to face their own fears. This emotional depth gives the film an added layer of complexity, making the stakes feel personal. The bonds between the children are tested, and their collective bravery in the face of horror is both heartwarming and terrifying.
Overview
Ultimately, IT succeeds as a scary movie because it taps into the universal fear of the unknown. Pennywise’s ability to prey on the deepest insecurities of his victims makes him an unforgettable villain. The film’s masterful blend of supernatural horror, psychological terror, and human drama ensures that IT lingers long after the credits roll, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of dread and unease.
