Stephen King fans beware, as "It: Welcome to Derry" will undoubtedly leave you sleeping with the lights on. The new series, co-developed and directed by Andy Muschietti, is a prequel to the 2017 film, which he also directed.
The opening sequence sets the tone for the rest of the show - a family giving a lift to an unhappy boy, only to reveal themselves as liver-eating demons. The special effects are gruesome and unsettling, making this scene a standout. If you're not a fan of graphic violence, be warned that there's more where that came from.
The story then shifts to 1962, where we meet the children who will find and rescue the missing boy, Matty. Teddy, Phil, Lilly, Ronnie, and others are all brought together by circumstance, each with their own unique struggles. There's Teddy, the sensitive soul; Phil, the thrill-seeker; Lilly, the overachiever; Ronnie, the vulnerable one; and Hank, Ronnie's father, whose death serves as a catalyst for the investigation.
The adults in this world are also intriguing characters. Major Leroy Hanlon is a newcomer to the Derry airbase, where he discovers there's more going on than meets the eye. Meanwhile, Dick Hallorann, the telepathic man from The Shining, appears again, and fans of the original will spot the connections between his character and the rest of the story.
One of the strengths of "It: Welcome to Derry" is its ability to balance the darker elements with more lighthearted moments. Stephen King's works often explore themes of innocence lost, the dangers of unchecked malevolence, and the cruelties we inflict on each other. The show brings all these tropes together seamlessly.
While it may not reach the same heights as some of King's other adaptations, "It: Welcome to Derry" is solid entertainment. It's a fitting addition to the King canon, even if it doesn't challenge the top tier of TV adaptations. Fans will find themselves enthralled and unsettled in equal measure, while newcomers may need to steel themselves for a wild ride.
So, if you're looking for a thrilling story that will leave you on the edge of your seat, "It: Welcome to Derry" is an excellent choice. Just be prepared to sleep with the lights on afterwards - but also be ready to indulge in some delightful terror.
The opening sequence sets the tone for the rest of the show - a family giving a lift to an unhappy boy, only to reveal themselves as liver-eating demons. The special effects are gruesome and unsettling, making this scene a standout. If you're not a fan of graphic violence, be warned that there's more where that came from.
The story then shifts to 1962, where we meet the children who will find and rescue the missing boy, Matty. Teddy, Phil, Lilly, Ronnie, and others are all brought together by circumstance, each with their own unique struggles. There's Teddy, the sensitive soul; Phil, the thrill-seeker; Lilly, the overachiever; Ronnie, the vulnerable one; and Hank, Ronnie's father, whose death serves as a catalyst for the investigation.
The adults in this world are also intriguing characters. Major Leroy Hanlon is a newcomer to the Derry airbase, where he discovers there's more going on than meets the eye. Meanwhile, Dick Hallorann, the telepathic man from The Shining, appears again, and fans of the original will spot the connections between his character and the rest of the story.
One of the strengths of "It: Welcome to Derry" is its ability to balance the darker elements with more lighthearted moments. Stephen King's works often explore themes of innocence lost, the dangers of unchecked malevolence, and the cruelties we inflict on each other. The show brings all these tropes together seamlessly.
While it may not reach the same heights as some of King's other adaptations, "It: Welcome to Derry" is solid entertainment. It's a fitting addition to the King canon, even if it doesn't challenge the top tier of TV adaptations. Fans will find themselves enthralled and unsettled in equal measure, while newcomers may need to steel themselves for a wild ride.
So, if you're looking for a thrilling story that will leave you on the edge of your seat, "It: Welcome to Derry" is an excellent choice. Just be prepared to sleep with the lights on afterwards - but also be ready to indulge in some delightful terror.