Stephen King, 1995, (c)Laurel Entertainment Inc./courtesy Everett Collection
If I know one thing about the Dread Central audience, it’s that our readers enjoy the cinematic output of Stephen King. And who could blame them? The prolific author has been the inspiration behind so many classic films. And one of them just made its way to Netflix. Specifically, I’m talking about It (2017).
The inaugural installment of Andy Muschietti’s two-part adaptation of Stephen King’s It really nails the essence of the celebrated author. The dynamic among the youthful protagonists effectively channels the coming-of-age energy of the tome. And the performances are exceptional across the board. The child thespians playing the core characters show an emotional depth that’s far beyond their years.
ALSO READ: Stephen King’s Take on This Divisive Horror Remake
Bill Skarsgård also shines in his turn as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. He’s menacing and imposing, giving children good reason to steer clear of clowns.
In addition to Skarsgård, the film also stars Jaeden Martell, Finn Wolfhard, Sophia Lillis, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Chosen Jacobs, and Jack Dylan Grazer.
Chase Palmer, Cary Joji Fukunaga, and Gary Dauberman share screenwriting credit for this 2017 adaptation.
Netflix has got you covered if you’re due for a return visit to Derry, Maine. The beloved Stephen King adaptation was added to the platform on February 1.
Our review of IT: Chapter One (2017) called it an instant horror classic, saying that IT turned out to be “a full-tilt freak show roller coaster that’s scary, emotional – and yes, fun!”
The setup is as follows: Seven young outcasts in Derry, Maine, are about to face their worst nightmare—an ancient, shape-shifting evil that emerges from the sewer every 27 years to prey on the town’s children. Banding together over one horrifying summer, the friends must overcome their fears to battle the murderous, bloodthirsty clown known as Pennywise.
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