Movie Review: It (1990)
Synopsis
"It," the 1990 television miniseries adapted from Stephen King’s acclaimed novel, is a chilling yet poignant exploration of childhood fears and the passage of time. The miniseries, directed by Tommy Lee Wallace, centres on the dual narratives of a group of children in the 1950s, who are terrorised by an ancient creature capable of shapeshifting into their worst fears, and their adult selves, who are summoned back to their hometown of Derry, Maine, 27 years later to confront the malevolent entity known as Pennywise the Clown.
At the heart of the story lies the Losers’ Club, a group of misfit children ostracised by their peers and haunted by personal traumas. Each member has confronted bullying, neglect, or abuse, making them particularly vulnerable to ‘It,’ a dark force that emerges every 27 years to feed on the fear of the town’s children. As the narrative oscillates between the past and the present, the group must face both their individual demons and the terror that Pennywise represents, ultimately exploring themes of friendship, trauma, and courage.
Cast of Characters:
- Tim Curry as Pennywise the Clown
- Richard Thomas as Bill Denbrough (Adult)
- Jonathan Brandis as Bill Denbrough (Child)
- Annette O’Toole as Beverly Marsh (Adult)
- Emily Perkins as Beverly Marsh (Child)
- John Ritter as Ben Hanscom (Adult)
- Jeremy Ray Valdez as Ben Hanscom (Child)
- Harry Anderson as Richie Tozier (Adult)
- Seth Green as Richie Tozier (Child)
- Dennis Christopher as Eddie Kaspbrak (Adult)
- Adam Faraizl as Eddie Kaspbrak (Child)
- Tim Reid as Mike Hanlon (Adult)
- Marlon Taylor as Mike Hanlon (Child)
- Annette O’Toole as Beverly Marsh
- Jackie Kong as Miss Pennis
Review
"It" is an exercise in blending horror with an exploration of the innocent and often tumultuous nature of childhood friendships. At its core, the miniseries presents a multi-faceted examination of fear and how it manifests in different ways among the group. The film’s reliance on the psychological horror of fear rather than just jump scares sets it apart from many contemporary horror films.
Character Development
The film’s most significant strength is its ability to develop its characters deeply and organically. Each member of the Losers’ Club is unique, with relatable backgrounds and personal fears that mitigate their collective struggle against the monstrous Pennywise. The casting is commendable, featuring a young ensemble cast in the earlier scenes, who manage to capture the essence of their older counterparts with remarkable fidelity.
Tim Curry’s portrayal of Pennywise is undoubtedly the highlight of the miniseries. His performance encapsulates both charm and menace, making the character terrifying yet strangely charismatic. Curry’s ability to shift seamlessly between mirth and malice adds a layer of complexity to Pennywise, establishing him as a truly terrifying adversary. The scenes where he interacts with each child stand out as some of the most haunting moments of the miniseries, demonstrating how ‘It’ exploits their fears.
Richard Thomas as Bill Denbrough anchors the narrative with a solid performance, embodying the role of the group leader burdened by guilt and the loss of his brother Georgie to Pennywise. His journey from a remorseful child to a determined adult resonates with anyone who has experienced loss. Similarly, Annette O’Toole’s portrayal of Beverly Marsh conveys the struggle of overcoming an abusive upbringing, showcasing an emotional depth that is rarely seen in horror fare.
The adult cast is largely effective, although some performances lack the nuance seen in the younger roles. Nevertheless, the sibling dynamic between young and adult versions of the characters is strong, adding an engaging layer of continuity to the overarching narrative. In particular, the friendship between Ben and Beverly highlights the themes of love, acceptance, and personal growth.
Visual and Audio Elements
Aesthetically, "It" is both a product of its time and an unsettling homage to the horror genre. The cinematography, combined with a haunting score by Richard Bellis, heightens the moments of tension and releases them in a satisfying manner. The shifting timelines—a harrowing childhood contrasted with a disillusioned adulthood—add a compelling depth to the visual storytelling.
Yet, practical effects dominate the visual design, giving the film an authenticity often lost in the modern CGI era. The use of props, costumes, and make-up is particularly noteworthy in creating the character of Pennywise, making his reveals all the more harrowing. However, some sequences show the limitations of 1990s special effects—resulting in some moments that may come off as unintentionally amusing to contemporary audiences.
Thematic Depth
The thematic richness of "It" elevates it beyond a simple horror tale. The exploration of the innocence of childhood set against the backdrop of horror is both poignant and chilling. The connection between fear and memory is skilfully portrayed, with the children’s challenges serving as metaphors for more profound issues such as trauma, loss, and the often unrecognised darkness that resides in small-town America.
Friendship serves as a redeemer against fear, demonstrating how love and camaraderie can be powerful weapons against the feelings of isolation and despair. The Losers’ Club illustrates the importance of support in overcoming life’s tribulations; a message that resonates well beyond the confines of the horror genre.
Conclusion
"It" (1990) remains an essential entry in the canon of horror films, as it artfully balances scares with genuine emotional depth. While the limitations of production may sometimes surface, the dedication to character development and thematic complexity shines through. Tim Curry’s iconic portrayal of Pennywise deserves its place in horror history, and the ensemble cast’s performances elevate the story, making it a memorable experience.
The miniseries does have its peaks and troughs, and the pacing can occasionally falter, causing moments of tension to dip. Nevertheless, the exploration of childhood fears, the power of friendship, and a well-known literary foundation provide an engaging narrative for both horror enthusiasts and casual viewers.
In conclusion, "It" is a chilling reflection on the power of fear and the innocence of childhood, packed with memorable characters and iconic moments. Its reputation has burgeoned over the years, not only as a horror film but as a story of resilience against generalised evil, making it deserving of a score of 8/10. Its impact will undoubtedly echo in the genre for generations to come.
