In the chilling adaptation of Stephen King’s IT, a shapeshifting evil, primarily manifesting as the terrifying clown Pennywise, terrorizes the children of Derry, Maine, every 27 years. A group of outcast kids, known as the Losers’ Club, unite to confront this ancient evil, facing their deepest fears in a battle for survival and the future of their town.
What Happens in IT (2017 & 2019)? A Comprehensive Overview
Stephen King’s IT, adapted into two separate films – IT (2017) and IT: Chapter Two (2019) – tells the story of an ancient, cosmic entity known as IT, which preys on the fears of children. This entity hibernates beneath the town of Derry, Maine, awakening roughly every 27 years to feast. Its favorite form is Pennywise the Dancing Clown, but it can transform into whatever its victims fear most.
IT (2017) focuses on the summer of 1989, when seven outcast children – Bill Denbrough, Beverly Marsh, Richie Tozier, Eddie Kaspbrak, Stanley Uris, Ben Hanscom, and Mike Hanlon – form the “Losers’ Club.” Each member has experienced IT’s malevolent presence in their own unique and terrifying way. Bill is haunted by the disappearance of his younger brother, Georgie, who was the first victim in the current cycle. As the body count rises, the Losers discover that they are all connected by their experiences and their shared ability to see IT. They band together to fight back, confronting their fears and dealing a blow to Pennywise, forcing him back into hibernation.
IT: Chapter Two (2019) picks up 27 years later. Mike Hanlon, the only Loser who remained in Derry, recognizes the signs of IT’s return. He calls the other members of the Losers’ Club, now adults scattered across the country, back to Derry, reminding them of the blood oath they made as children to destroy IT if it ever returned. The adults, having largely repressed their childhood trauma, struggle to remember their past and confront their lingering fears. They must rediscover their bond and their courage to face Pennywise once again, this time for good. The film culminates in a final, terrifying showdown in IT’s lair beneath Derry, where the Losers use their combined willpower and understanding of IT’s weaknesses to finally defeat the entity, shrinking it to a powerless state and ultimately destroying it. The victory comes at a cost, however, with one of the Losers, Stan, sacrificing himself before returning to Derry and Eddie being killed by Pennywise in the final battle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About IT
This section will answer some common questions that viewers have about the IT films and their source material.
What is IT Exactly?
- IT is an ancient, cosmic entity that arrived on Earth millions of years ago. Its true form is beyond human comprehension, existing in a realm called the “deadlights.” Pennywise is merely the preferred manifestation that IT uses to attract children, its primary food source. IT feeds on fear, amplifying its power through the terror of its victims.
Why Does IT Target Children?
- Children are easier to scare than adults. Their imaginations are more vivid, making them more susceptible to IT’s illusions and psychological manipulation. Fear is like salt to IT, enhancing its flavor and making them more palatable. Furthermore, children often lack the authority figures who might believe them or protect them.
How Does IT Choose Its Victims?
- IT appears to be drawn to individuals who are vulnerable, isolated, or experiencing some form of trauma. The Losers’ Club, being a group of outcasts, represents a collection of such individuals, making them prime targets. IT also preys on specific fears, tailoring its appearances to maximize terror.
What are the Deadlights?
- The deadlights are the true form of IT, a blinding, incomprehensible force from beyond our universe. They are so powerful that merely glimpsing them can drive a person insane or even kill them. In the book, Beverly sees the deadlights when she goes to the Deadlights Room underneath Derry and Bill and Richie have to pull her out. The films attempt to represent them visually, but they are ultimately indescribable.
What is the Significance of Derry, Maine?
- Derry is a place where bad things happen, and have always happened. The town itself seems to be feeding into IT. Derry is a place where evil and corruption thrive, creating a fertile ground for IT’s influence. IT has been manipulating the town’s inhabitants for centuries, creating a cycle of violence and apathy that allows it to flourish. The town itself is almost a character, complicit in IT’s reign of terror.
Why Do the Losers’ Club Forget About IT When They Leave Derry?
- IT possesses a psychic ability to influence the memories of those who leave Derry. As long as they are away from IT’s influence, the trauma they experienced as children fades, replaced by a sense of normalcy. However, their memories can be reawakened when they return to Derry and confront their fears again. The book describes the “Derry Amnesia” as a form of psychological self-preservation.
What is the Ritual of Chud?
- The Ritual of Chud is an ancient method for defeating IT, involving a battle of wills and imagination. It requires the participants to embrace their inner child and confront IT in its own realm, using the power of belief to shrink it down. This ritual is imperfect and dangerous, and its success depends entirely on the mental fortitude of the participants. The ritual is shown in IT: Chapter Two.
What are the “Tokens” and Why are They Important?
- In IT: Chapter Two, each member of the Losers’ Club must retrieve a personal artifact from their past, a “token” representing their deepest fear and trauma. These tokens are crucial for performing the Ritual of Chud and harnessing the power of their shared experiences to defeat IT. The retrieval process forces them to confront their pasts and remember the power of their childhood bond.
How Does Pennywise Manipulate People?
- Pennywise exploits people’s deepest fears and insecurities. It transforms into their worst nightmares, using psychological manipulation and illusions to break their will and make them vulnerable. Pennywise also uses deception, charming children with playful antics before revealing its terrifying nature. The clown persona is a lure, a mask for the monstrous entity beneath.
Why Does Pennywise Say “Beep Beep, Richie”?
- “Beep Beep, Richie” is a taunt that Pennywise uses specifically against Richie Tozier. It references a traumatic encounter Richie had as a child, when he saw Pennywise in a local arcade and the clown whispered the phrase to him. The phrase becomes a trigger for Richie’s fear and a symbol of Pennywise’s personalized torment.
What is the Significance of Georgie’s Paper Boat?
- Georgie’s paper boat is a symbol of innocence lost and the beginning of IT’s reign of terror in the 1989 cycle. It represents Bill’s guilt and his determination to find his brother, fueling his initial motivation to confront Pennywise. The boat reappears throughout the story as a reminder of the tragedy and the stakes involved in fighting IT.
Ultimately, What is the Movie IT About?
- Beyond the horror elements, IT is a story about the power of friendship, the importance of facing your fears, and the enduring impact of childhood trauma. It explores themes of innocence, loss, and the strength that can be found in unity. The Losers’ Club’s victory over IT represents their triumph over their personal demons and their ability to overcome even the most terrifying adversity through courage and camaraderie. The movies are ultimately about how important it is to face your inner demons.