[Sample - Movie Review] It (2017)

1. Opening (The Hook) "Get ready to confront your deepest fears in It (2017), the spine-chilling adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel directed by Andy Muschietti. Set in the small town of Derry, Maine, this terrifying film follows a group of misfit kids known as ‘The Losers Club,’ who must come together to battle the ancient evil that takes the shape of a sinister clown named Pennywise. With a masterful blend of horror, heart, and nostalgia, It not only reawakens our primal fears but also delves into the power of friendship and courage in the face of evil." [Background Music: A haunting, eerie score by Benjamin Wallfisch, with dissonant, pulsating strings and ominous electronic elements that amplify the dread and tension of the film.]

2. Synopsis (The Story in Brief) It (2017) is set in the summer of 1989 and follows a group of outcast children in the small town of Derry, Maine, who are united by their shared experiences of being tormented by an unimaginable evil. The entity, which manifests as the demonic clown Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård), emerges every 27 years to feed on the fears of the town’s children. As the group of friends—Bill (Jaeden Lieberher), Beverly (Sophia Lillis), Ben (Jeremy Ray Taylor), Eddie (Jack Dylan Grazer), Mike (Chosen Jacobs), Stan (Wyatt Oleff), and Richie (Finn Wolfhard)—band together to face Pennywise, they must confront not only the physical horrors that haunt them but also their deepest, personal fears. What unfolds is a terrifying battle between good and evil, where friendship becomes the key to overcoming the darkest of forces.

[Background Music: The music oscillates between quiet, tense moments, using subtle themes that capture the inner terror of the children, and intense, fast-paced beats during the confrontations with Pennywise.]

3. Character Analysis (Getting to Know the Cast)

Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Pennywise the Dancing Clown is a true revelation in the horror genre. Pennywise is not just a clown but an ancient, shape-shifting entity that feeds on fear, and Skarsgård brings an unsettling mixture of charm and malevolence to the role. His Pennywise is creepy, erratic, and deeply terrifying, making him one of the most iconic horror villains in recent memory. Skarsgård’s ability to switch between childlike playfulness and pure evil creates a chilling presence that is as disturbing as it is captivating. His performance is the driving force behind the film’s most terrifying moments, with his unsettling facial expressions and unpredictable movements amplifying the terror.

Bill Denbrough (Jaeden Lieberher) Jaeden Lieberher plays Bill Denbrough, the determined and empathetic leader of the Losers Club. Bill’s journey is central to the film, as he grapples with the grief of losing his younger brother, Georgie, to Pennywise. Lieberher’s performance captures Bill’s vulnerability and resilience, as he leads his friends in their battle against the evil haunting their town. His bond with Georgie is one of the emotional anchors of the film, and Lieberher expertly portrays Bill’s growth as a leader who must face not just external horrors but also the personal trauma of losing his brother.

Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis) Sophia Lillis delivers a standout performance as Beverly Marsh, the only girl in the Losers Club. Beverly’s character arc is both empowering and tragic, as she battles the horrors of Pennywise as well as the abuse she suffers at home. Lillis brings a quiet strength to the role, portraying Beverly as a resourceful and fierce young girl who proves essential in the Losers’ fight against the evil that haunts Derry. Her friendship with the other boys and her bravery in confronting her personal demons adds depth to her character, making her one of the most compelling and complex figures in the film.

Richie Tozier (Finn Wolfhard) Finn Wolfhard plays Richie Tozier, the quick-witted and foul-mouthed member of the Losers Club. Wolfhard brings his trademark charm and humor to Richie, providing much-needed levity during some of the film’s darker moments. However, Richie’s sharp humor masks his own fears and insecurities, and Wolfhard masterfully shows how Richie evolves from a comic relief figure to a loyal and courageous friend. His character’s growth and his deep loyalty to the group add a layer of emotional complexity to the film, making Richie both a source of comic relief and a source of heart.

Ben Hanscom (Jeremy Ray Taylor) Jeremy Ray Taylor portrays Ben Hanscom, the shy, overweight boy who experiences his own form of bullying and isolation. Ben’s character is the emotional heart of the group, as he develops deep friendships with the other Losers and overcomes his own self-doubt. Taylor’s performance captures Ben’s vulnerability and eventual bravery as he faces not only the terror of Pennywise but also his own internal fears. His transformation into a hero, both in his fight against Pennywise and his personal growth, is one of the most satisfying arcs of the film.

[Background Music: The music softens during moments of bonding and growth between the characters, using tender strings and gentle melodies to highlight the camaraderie of the Losers Club.]

4. Plot and Theme (Unraveling the Narrative and Its Message) At its heart, It is a story of overcoming fear and finding strength in friendship. The Losers Club’s unity is what allows them to stand against Pennywise, and their shared bond becomes the film’s most powerful weapon against the horrors they face. The themes of friendship, loyalty, and the power of the collective are woven throughout the narrative, as the group of kids come to realize that together they are stronger than the evil that hunts them.

Another central theme in It is the trauma of childhood and the way fear shapes our lives. Pennywise embodies the physical manifestation of the Losers’ personal fears—fears of abandonment, loss, abuse, and rejection. The film explores how confronting these fears head-on is necessary for growth and survival. The Losers must not only defeat Pennywise but also come to terms with their personal experiences, creating a deeper emotional resonance that elevates the film beyond mere horror.

The film also explores the cyclical nature of trauma, with Pennywise’s return every 27 years mirroring the long-term effects of fear and repression. The idea that Pennywise feeds on the town’s collective trauma and fear adds a societal layer to the film, suggesting that evil can thrive in places where darkness is ignored or left unaddressed.

[Background Music: The music crescendos during moments of the Losers’ realization and their ultimate stand against Pennywise, with more introspective, reflective motifs during moments of personal struggle and growth.]

5. Visuals, Cinematography, Audio, and Music (The Sensory Experience) The cinematography in It, by Chung-hoon Chung, is striking and effective, using a mix of vivid colors and dark shadows to evoke both the nostalgia of the 1980s and the creeping terror of the film. The visuals are often surreal and dreamlike, especially in the scenes where Pennywise takes shape in different terrifying forms. The use of lighting, particularly in the scenes involving Pennywise, creates a sense of unease, making the clown’s appearance all the more disturbing.

The sound design is integral to the film’s atmosphere, heightening the terror and emotional weight of the story. The sounds of Pennywise—his voice, his laughter, his footsteps—are unsettling and omnipresent, building dread and anticipation. The soundscape of the film is carefully crafted to create a sense of unease, whether it's the creaking of old houses, the echoes of footsteps, or the eerie silence before an attack.

The score by Benjamin Wallfisch is essential in setting the mood of the film, blending ambient sounds with orchestral elements to create an atmosphere of dread. The music builds tension during the moments of suspense, while softer, melancholy themes are used to underscore the emotional growth of the characters. Wallfisch’s score enhances the film’s ability to balance horror with heartfelt emotion, helping to make It both terrifying and emotionally engaging.

[Background Music: The score fluctuates from eerie, suspenseful cues to more sweeping, emotional music, aligning with the kids’ journey of courage, survival, and growth.]

6. Critique and Conclusion (The Final Word) It (2017) is a masterful adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, blending supernatural horror with deep emotional resonance. Directed by Andy Muschietti, the film excels in its ability to create an atmosphere of constant tension, paired with genuine heart in the relationships between its characters. The performances are outstanding, particularly by Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise, whose portrayal of the villain is both terrifying and mesmerizing. The film’s thematic depth, strong character arcs, and spine-chilling visuals make it one of the most compelling horror films of the decade.

Rating: 8.5/10 It is a stunning blend of horror, heart, and nostalgia, offering both terror and emotional depth. It solidifies itself as a modern horror classic and a must-watch for fans of both the genre and Stephen King's work.

[Background Music: A final, haunting theme plays as the film concludes, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of unease, while also reinforcing the strength of the bonds formed among the Losers Club.]

Final Thoughts 

What aspect of It (2017) resonated with you the most? Was it the terrifying portrayal of Pennywise, the emotional depth of the Losers Club, or the film’s nostalgic exploration of childhood fears? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and if this haunting film left an impression on you, be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful film analyses.

[Background Music: A quiet, reflective melody encourages the audience to think about the themes of fear, friendship, and the power of confronting the past.]

"Fear may take many forms, but it’s the bonds of friendship that give us the strength to face it. It reminds us that even in the face of evil, we can overcome our nightmares together."