The opening sequence of “IT: Welcome To Derry” takes place in 1962 in Derry, Maine, years before the events of the films take place. It focuses on both the personal and communal fear of the main characters. The series is a prequel based on the 1986 book that also inspired a 1990 miniseries and both feature films released in 2017 and 2019.
One of the film’s main strengths is the atmosphere. Having a supernatural horror mixed in with a small-town Americana, exploring the town’s dark history. There are scenes of horror, such as unsettling visions and, even though we don’t see any scenes of Pennywise in the first episodes, we get to see the town terrorized in other ways. The film also does a great job of mixing childhood innocence with terror.
The main cast of “IT: Welcome to Derry” are Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, and Bill Skarsgard. Bringing a sense of dramatic skill and emotional weight, the cast brings layers of hope and existential dread. In the film we see how the story for the adults is much more in depth then it is for the children.
Although the films are great and the story is too, the show does come with its flaws. The plot isn’t the cleanest, and, with many characters and storylines weaving together, it can feel rushed and cluttered at times. At times the horror can feel a bit ‘too much’ and can lose its fear factor with the CGI. I feel as if the show does better when it’s not trying to be ‘too much’ or ‘too scary’.
Overall I’d give “It: Welcome to Derry” a 7/10. If you’re a fan of horror, small-town dread, and layered mythologies, then I’d recommend watching it. The show is more of a slow burn, giving viewers tension rather than an overload of jump-scares. Although it does feel at times a bit cheesy with the horror, it remains scary and is good for horror fans.
