IT: Welcome to Derry Review
It’s fascinating how frequently Stephen King’s works are adapted these days. The miniseries from 1990 was a solid take on his tale about Pennywise, a terrifying shape-shifting clown. Fast forward to 2017, and Andy Muschietti revamped it into a bloody theatrical experience, then followed up with a sequel. Now, he’s taking us back to the early ’60s to explore how long Pennywise has tormented the town of Derry.
Opening shot: The film opens with a nostalgic vibe as it showcases the audience before cutting to a boy—too old to be using a pacifier.
Key points: Matty, played by Miles Eckhart, is a troubled child who clings to a pacifier, seeking refuge in the shadows of a cinema. After being kicked out by an usher during “Ya Got Trouble,” he finds protection from Ronnie, the projectionist’s daughter, played by Amanda Christine.
Matty walks down a frigid, snowy path after leaving his home in Derry, Maine, when a family heading to Portland offers him a ride. Then, something odd occurs in the car, and suddenly, Matty is gone.
Fast forward four months to April 1962, where his school friends are reeling from his disappearance. Teddy feels remorse for having had to bribe Matty to play with him. Phil appears obsessed with an alien project rumored to be underway at a nearby air force base. Meanwhile, Lily shares a special connection with Matty, recalling a moment when he tried to kiss her as fireworks lit up the sky.
Lily begins to hear Matty’s voice through the bathtub drain, only to witness two bloodied fingers emerge. When she shares her story with Phil and Teddy, they suspect she’s simply suffering from the trauma of losing her father in an industrial accident, which led to her being hospitalized. But after Matty experiences horrifying visions, the trio, alongside Ronnie, embark on a mission to uncover his fate, fueled by the sounds she hears from the pipes.
On a different front, Major Leroy Hanlon, portrayed by Jovan Adepo, arrives at the base filled with familiar challenges, including racial tensions. Once a decorated pilot, he’s there to test a new bomber, the UB-52, but finds the endeavor surrounded by secrecy. His situation escalates when his room is attacked before his wife Charlotte (Taylor Page) and son Will (Blake Cameron James) arrive to settle into their rented home.
Which show do you remember? IT: Welcome to Derry serves as a prequel to Muschietti’s reimaginings, with Bill Skarsgård portraying Pennywise (a role he’s famously known for). However, this prequel leans more towards elements found in Stranger Things than fitting neatly into King’s horror category.
Our view: There’s certainly an abundance of blood and gore in IT: Welcome to Derry. Yet, I find myself unsure of the central storyline. Showrunners Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane have woven a narrative that encompasses more than just horror—it flirts with space-age kitsch, too. Still, it feels like there are multiple intertwining plots, and I’m left wondering how long it will take for them to converge.
The first episode hints at Hanlon’s high-stakes work in Derry, while four preteens (along with Phil’s sister) roam their town, piecing together the mystery behind Matty’s fate. There’s a suggestion of Pennywise’s influence, but the connection to Matty’s disappearance remains unclear.
Consistency is lacking, and by the episode’s end, we’re still uncertain about the survival of the characters. As children vanish, they suspect they might end up like Matty—sucked into the sewers. Does Pennywise impersonate them to confuse Lily and the others? It leaves us guessing about their fate.
The series successfully captures the early ’60s ambiance while tackling themes like racism and the encroachment of suburbia. Still, I’m not sure if I want to endure eight episodes filled with vague moments that might drag on to the point of losing my interest.
Gender and skin: One scene where a family picks up Matty raises some discomfort, but perhaps it fits the narrative’s broader themes.
Parting shot: Ronnie gasps in shock upon seeing Lily holding an object.
Sleeper Star: Rudy Mancuso plays Captain Paulie Russo, who has a history with Hanlon from Korea. I’m curious about his role as the story develops.
The most pilot-like line: Margie (Matilda Lawler) is depicted as Lily’s best friend, yet she seems more absorbed in her new glasses and fitting in than being a meaningful character.
Our call: Let’s stream it. While it may be an amalgamation of various storylines, the first episode of IT: Welcome to Derry holds potential, setting the stage for an engaging viewing experience.
