Hiya Georgie! Are you ready to find out whether Pennywise’s latest endeavour sinks or floats? You might not think Pennywise warranted so much additional lore, but It: Welcome to Derry proves the dancing clown has plenty of horrifying tricks left up his sleeve.
Taking place 27 years before it: Chapter 1, this prequel series unleashes more of the carnage and twisted scares Andy Muscietti’s movies were known for. We’re given a deeper exploration surrounding not only Pennywise’s origins, but the root of the evil that’s plagued Derry for over a century. There’s also a plot line with the military, and a cross over character from one of King’s most acclaimed novels. With just eight episodes, there’s a lot going on and it can lead to the series being a little too busy for its own good. With the exception of a shocking series premiere, the front half of the season is kind of clunky as it sets the stage for Pennywise’s first appearance. The back half is thankfully much stronger, with the final three episodes being exactly what I wanted from this show.
The violence and shock factor are cranked up far beyond anything I thought this franchise would ever show us, making the 2017 and 2019 films feel tame by comparison. While I wouldn’t say it’s ever all that scary, the gnarly ways Pennywise frightens his victims are creative and just a ton of fun. The CGI is inconsistent and I would’ve loved to see a little more practicality, but it’s clear the writers had a blast coming up with this stuff. The show is also not afraid to kill off characters in brutal ways, which allows the stakes to feel genuinely high. More surprising than the scares and deaths, though, is the amount of heart this show has. It’s packed with a ton of emotion, making for something that feels more in line with much of Stephen King’s written works than the previous two films. It’s easy to root for many of these characters - especially the likeable group of misfit kids trying to prove Derry is plagued by an evil entity.
Like the movies, this series works best when it’s spending time with the kids, rather than the adults. Not only do we get a fun and endearing group of kids, but the performances from the young actors are really solid as well. Although the military plot isn’t as engaging, Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo and Chris Chalk were all really good in their roles. Let’s get one thing straight though - this is Bill Skarsgård’s show. The season smartly saves his introduction until the midpoint, but the minute he steps into frame, you know he’s going to steal every scene. He did not miss a beat, slipping back into the role with his best Pennywise performance by far.
Are you in need of a Stranger Things replacement, that feels like the show in its earlier seasons? It: Welcome to Derry will scratch that itch - just be wary, this clown has claws. This prequel series is not for the faint of heart, with gnarly scares and brutal gore, Pennywise doesn’t hold back. It’s a bit overstuffed and takes time to find its footing, but it’s an unexpectedly solid addition to the franchise.
Rating: ★★★½
Review by: Benjamin Garrett