The original 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s IT culminates in a final confrontation within IT’s lair, deep beneath Derry, Maine. The Losers Club, now adults, finally manage to seemingly defeat IT, represented primarily as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, by facing their fears and utilizing the Ritual of Chüd, a metaphysical battle of wills that weakens the creature. While the adults believe they have eradicated IT, the ending leaves room for ambiguity, hinting that evil may not be completely vanquished.
The Final Showdown: Facing Your Fears
The second half of the miniseries focuses almost entirely on the adult Losers returning to Derry after Mike Hanlon, the only member to remain in town, witnesses a resurgence of disturbing events. He correctly surmises that IT has awakened and contacts the others, compelling them to honor their childhood pact.
Return to Derry
The adults, now successful in their respective careers, are initially hesitant and plagued by repressed memories. However, the mounting evidence and the fear IT instills force them to confront their past and return to Derry. This return is not merely a physical journey; it’s a psychological descent into their childhood traumas.
Entering the Lair
Led by Bill Denbrough, fueled by his unresolved grief over his brother Georgie’s death, the Losers descend into the sewers, following the familiar, terrifying path to IT’s central lair. The lair is a chaotic, almost surreal space filled with the remnants of IT’s victims and the manifestations of the Losers’ deepest fears.
The Ritual of Chüd and Its Interpretation
The Ritual of Chüd, as described in the book, is a complex and somewhat ambiguous process. The miniseries simplifies it considerably. It essentially involves a battle of wills where the Losers attempt to dominate IT through belief and mental fortitude. In the movie, this is represented by the Losers mentally projecting their power and their ability to belittle Pennywise.
Pennywise’s Defeat…or is it?
After a prolonged struggle and several close calls, the Losers, utilizing their collective strength and by facing their fears head-on, manage to shrink Pennywise down to a seemingly insignificant size. They believe they have finally defeated the creature, ripping its heart out (literally, in this version). However, the final scene shows a glimpse of a familiar red balloon floating near a storm drain, suggesting that IT may not be entirely gone. The lingering shot throws into doubt the certainty of their victory.
Frequently Asked Questions About the IT Movie Ending
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the ending of the original IT movie and its implications:
1. What exactly is the Ritual of Chüd?
In the book, the Ritual of Chüd is a metaphysical battle of wills. Bill learns the ritual from Maturin, an ancient cosmic entity represented as a giant turtle. It involves holding out your tongue and biting the other party’s, then telling a joke. It’s a symbolic contest of imagination and strength. The movie simplifies this significantly, focusing more on the Losers collectively overpowering Pennywise with their will and belief.
2. Why are the Losers so afraid of Pennywise?
Pennywise exploits the deepest fears of his victims. He doesn’t just scare them; he embodies their terror, manifesting as the thing they dread most. This is why he appears as different creatures to different people. This ability to prey on individual anxieties makes him incredibly potent.
3. Why does Pennywise shrink at the end?
Pennywise shrinks because the Losers collectively overpower him with their belief. Their strength comes from facing their fears and understanding that Pennywise only has power over them if they allow it. By standing up to him, they diminish his influence and reduce him to a physically smaller form.
4. Is Pennywise truly dead at the end of the movie?
The movie’s ending is ambiguous. While the Losers believe they have killed Pennywise, the final shot of the red balloon hints at his potential survival or eventual return. This ambiguity is consistent with the broader themes of King’s work, which often explore the cyclical nature of evil.
5. What happens to the Losers after they defeat IT?
After defeating IT, the Losers return to their respective lives, seemingly free from the influence of their childhood trauma. The power of their collective experience, however, cements their bond forever. In the book, some of them start forgetting about IT and Derry, hinting at its lingering influence. The movie doesn’t explicitly show this forgetting but implies they can finally move on.
6. Why is Mike Hanlon the only one who stays in Derry?
Mike Hanlon’s role is to act as the sentinel, the one who remembers and who will alert the others if IT returns. As the only Black member of the Losers Club in a racially segregated town, he experienced a different kind of isolation, perhaps contributing to his decision to remain. Staying in Derry ensures that someone is always vigilant against the evil lurking beneath the town.
7. How does the movie differ from the book’s ending?
The movie simplifies the ending considerably. The book delves deeper into the metaphysical aspects of IT’s nature, the Ritual of Chüd, and the cosmic entities involved. The ending in the book is also more ambiguous and less conclusive than the movie.
8. What is the significance of the red balloon?
The red balloon is a symbol of Pennywise. It represents his presence and his ability to lure victims, particularly children. It also serves as a constant reminder of the evil that lurks beneath the surface of Derry. The appearance of the balloon at the end signals that IT may not be entirely gone.
9. Why are the Losers the only ones who can defeat IT?
The Losers have a unique connection to IT because they faced him as children and forged a powerful bond through their shared trauma. This bond gives them the strength and resilience to stand up to IT again as adults. Their ability to believe in the impossible is their greatest weapon.
10. What are the main themes explored in the movie?
The movie explores several important themes, including fear, childhood trauma, the power of friendship, and the cyclical nature of evil. It highlights how confronting our fears and supporting each other can help us overcome even the most terrifying challenges.
11. How does the 2017 and 2019 IT movies handle the ending differently?
The 2017 and 2019 IT movies, while staying closer to the book in some aspects, also simplify the ending. The 2019 film, IT Chapter Two, attempts a more literal interpretation of the Ritual of Chüd, but ultimately relies on a similar theme of the Losers collectively overcoming Pennywise through belief and love. Both films offer a more definitive sense of closure compared to the original miniseries.
12. What is the overall message or takeaway from the original IT movie ending?
The ending of the original IT movie serves as a reminder that evil may never be truly eradicated, but it can be contained and overcome through courage, friendship, and the willingness to confront our fears. The ambiguity of the ending also suggests that the responsibility for fighting evil rests with each generation. Even after a victory, vigilance is essential.