It feels like pretty much every Stephen King book or short story has been made into a film, so it is surprising that this, one of his most famous novels from 1986 has not been the subject of a big screen treatment before. It was made into a TV movie in 1990 but that was a forgettable affair.
In the summer of 1989, a group of seven kids; all victims of bullying, come together after the brother of one of them disappears. They band together to combat a shape shifting clown, Pennywise, who appears to be taking children.
This is far superior to most horror films of recent times. The production design is superb, capturing the late eighties without resorting to easy nostalgia. Also, although it shows its hand a little too early by revealing Pennywise in the first few minutes, there is still a pleasingly long build up to the inevitable showdowns with the monster. The actors playing the kids do a decent job with only Finn Wolfhard’s annoying Richie grating. Jaeden Lieberher confirms his promise as the grieving Bill, and Sophia Lillis impresses as Beverly who harbours a dark secret.
With a number of genuinely creepy moments; IT justifies its 135 minute running time. In fact, my main criticism is that it has too many ideas for even a film that long. The atrocities that happened in their town over the years, the bullying story line, and parental abuse and neglect are touched on but not explored as much as they could have been.
Covering only the first part of the book but feeling like a fully formed film in its own right; I look forward to the next part.
Rating: 8 out of 10