Reviews: It (2017) Movie Review / Ending Explained / FAQs
Subgenres: Psychological, Supernatural, Clowns, Featured Phobia, Phobia
Horror fans searching for a breakdown of It (2017) will find our review covers the plot, themes, and the shocking ending everyone talks about.
It (2017) – A Terrifyingly Bold Reimagining of Fear in the Shadows
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
It (2017) plunges audiences into the eerie town of Derry, where children are disappearing without a trace. When young Georgie vanishes during a storm, his older brother Bill and a group of outcast kids known as "The Losers’ Club" begin to uncover the horrifying truth: a sinister force lurks beneath the surface, taking the form of a grinning clown named Pennywise.
The heart of the film lies not just in the scares, but in the friendships forged through shared trauma. Each character represents a different type of fear—abuse, bullying, grief, abandonment—and the strength they find in one another becomes their greatest weapon. The coming-of-age journey is just as powerful as the horror that haunts them, creating a layered narrative with real emotional weight.
Acting, Cinematography, and Direction
The cast delivers standout performances, particularly the young ensemble who bring genuine heart and believability to their roles. Jaeden Martell shines as Bill, conveying grief and determination with surprising depth. Finn Wolfhard provides comic relief as Richie, balancing out the darker tones with well-timed humor.
Visually, the film is a nightmare come to life. The cinematography captures the contrast between bright summer days and shadowy, decaying settings—reminding viewers that danger can lurk anywhere. Director Andy Muschietti crafts an unsettling atmosphere with a steady hand, blending jump scares with psychological dread.
Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Pennywise is nothing short of iconic. His fluid movements, twisted expressions, and unpredictable tone create a villain that is both otherworldly and disturbingly human. The design of Pennywise is grotesque yet oddly mesmerizing, making every scene with him pulse with tension.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Muschietti approaches the story with reverence for the source material while also modernizing it for today’s audience. His greatest strength lies in his ability to balance horror and heart. He never lets the supernatural overshadow the emotional arcs, ensuring the film remains grounded even in its most surreal moments.
However, some viewers may feel the pacing lags slightly during the second act, where character backstories take center stage. While necessary for emotional depth, it briefly slows the momentum. Still, the payoff is more than worth it.
Strengths
Deep emotional core through childhood trauma
Unforgettable villain with a chilling presence
Stunning visual effects and creature design
Strong performances by the child cast
Weaknesses
Minor pacing dips in the middle
Some horror set pieces may feel repetitive to seasoned fans
Final Verdict & Score: 7/10
It (2017) masterfully blends terror and heart, offering a memorable experience that lingers long after the credits roll. With a compelling cast, powerful themes of friendship and fear, and a villain destined to haunt nightmares, it stands tall as one of the best modern adaptations of a beloved horror story. While not without its flaws, the film succeeds on nearly every level—earning a solid 7 out of 10.
Who Will Enjoy It
Fans of emotionally rich horror with supernatural twists
Viewers who appreciate character-driven storytelling
Anyone looking for a modern horror film with nostalgic 80s vibes
Those who enjoy stories about overcoming fear and finding strength in unity
Who Might Be Disappointed
Audiences expecting non-stop gore or slasher-level violence
Viewers looking for fast-paced horror with minimal exposition
Fans hoping for a faithful adaptation of every plot point from the book
Most Searched FAQs About It (2017) – Answered with Minor Spoilers
1. What is Pennywise in It (2017) really?
Pennywise is a shape-shifting entity that takes on the form of a clown to lure children, but it’s actually a supernatural being that feeds on fear. It isn’t limited to one form and can manifest as whatever its victim fears most. Pennywise is only one face of this ancient evil that has haunted Derry for generations.
2. Why does Pennywise prefer to target children?
Children’s fears are simpler and stronger, making them easier prey. Pennywise thrives on terror, and kids tend to experience fear more vividly and purely than adults, which enhances the creature’s feeding process.
3. What do the members of the Losers’ Club fear in It (2017)?
Each character is haunted by a personal trauma or anxiety:
Bill fears losing his brother Georgie
Beverly fears her abusive home life
Eddie fears sickness and contamination
Mike is haunted by his parents’ death in a fire
Ben fears isolation and being bullied
Stanley is terrified of distorted religious imagery
Richie’s fear is clowns—ironically, making him vulnerable to Pennywise
4. What is the significance of the red balloon in It (2017)?
The red balloon symbolizes Pennywise’s presence and is often seen just before a terrifying encounter. It acts as a visual cue for both the characters and audience that something dark and dangerous is lurking nearby.
5. How did Georgie really die?
In the film’s opening, Georgie is lured to a storm drain by Pennywise. After some eerie small talk, the clown rips Georgie’s arm off and pulls him into the sewer. His body is never recovered, haunting his older brother Bill throughout the story.
6. Why do the kids float in It (2017)?
Pennywise says, “You’ll float too,” referring to the suspended bodies of its victims deep within the sewer lair. The floating imagery represents the souls of the children trapped in a limbo-like state before being fully consumed.
7. Is It (2017) connected to any other horror stories?
While It (2017) stands on its own, it exists in a broader universe where other stories involving cosmic horror, dark forces, and recurring evil overlap. The creature behind Pennywise has roots beyond the physical world, suggesting a mythos that could connect to other sinister tales.
8. Why did Pennywise retreat at the end?
When the Losers’ Club overcomes their personal fears and fights together, they weaken Pennywise’s power. Fear is its primary weapon—and when the group refuses to be afraid, it can no longer maintain control, forcing it to flee back into the darkness.
Ending Explained – It (2017)
The final scenes unfold in the sewer system where the Losers’ Club confronts Pennywise in its lair. They discover the bodies of the missing children floating in mid-air, confirming the creature’s gruesome actions. With each member embracing courage over fear, they are able to stand up to Pennywise in a brutal showdown. Beverly, previously captured, breaks free from a trance after a symbolic kiss, reinforcing the bond between the kids.
Pennywise transforms into several forms in an attempt to scare them into submission, but the united front proves too much. Eventually, the group forces Pennywise to retreat into the darkness, seemingly wounded but not defeated. The kids believe they’ve ended the nightmare—though Bill acknowledges that if it ever returns, they must do the same.
They make a blood pact, sealing their promise to reunite if the evil ever reawakens. This emotionally charged finale ends with the group going their separate ways, still haunted by the past, but strengthened by their bravery.
The ending delivers closure while clearly setting up the need for a future return, hinting that this fight is far from over.
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Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- It Rating Scores
- Our Score: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.37/10
- IMDB: 7.3/10
- MetaCritic: 6.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 8.5/10
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