The story behind the movie It (specifically the 2017 film and its 2019 sequel, It Chapter Two) is a terrifying coming-of-age tale centered on a group of children who confront an ancient, malevolent entity in their hometown. It's a gripping narrative about friendship, fear, and facing your deepest nightmares.
The Premise: Terror in Derry, Maine
The film, set in the seemingly idyllic but sinister town of Derry, Maine, tells the chilling story of The Losers' Club, a group of seven outcast children. This diverse group includes Bill Denbrough (Jaeden Lieberher), Beverly Marsh (Sophia Lillis), Richie Tozier (Jack Dylan Grazer), Eddie Kaspbrak (Finn Wolfhard), Stanley Uris (Wyatt Oleff), Mike Hanlon (Chosen Jacobs), and Ben Hanscom (Jeremy Ray Taylor). Each member faces personal struggles, from bullying and neglect to illness, which brings them together and ironically makes them stronger against the supernatural threat.
Their peaceful summer is shattered when they become targets of the eponymous being known simply as It. This shapeshifting entity, which emerges from the sewer, primarily appears in the terrifying form of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, but can also manifest as whatever its victims fear most. It preys on children, harvesting their fear before devouring them. The town of Derry has a dark history of disappearances and tragedies, all linked to It's cyclical awakenings every 27 years.
Key Elements of the Story
The narrative unfolds through several crucial elements:
The Losers' Club
This core group forms the emotional heart of the story. Their bond strengthens as they realize they are all experiencing similar disturbing encounters. They discover that It's power seems to diminish when they are together and unafraid, leading them to unite against a threat that no adult in Derry seems to acknowledge or even perceive.
| Character Name | Actor (2017) | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Denbrough | Jaeden Lieberher | The de facto leader, haunted by his brother Georgie's disappearance. |
| Beverly Marsh | Sophia Lillis | Brave, resilient, and resourceful; a victim of abuse. |
| Richie Tozier | Jack Dylan Grazer | The comedic relief, often using humor to mask his fear. |
| Eddie Kaspbrak | Finn Wolfhard | Hypochondriac, controlled by his overprotective mother. |
| Stanley Uris | Wyatt Oleff | Rational, skeptical, and most resistant to accepting It's existence. |
| Mike Hanlon | Chosen Jacobs | Homeschooled, deeply connected to Derry's history and its horrors. |
| Ben Hanscom | Jeremy Ray Taylor | New to Derry, intelligent, and often the subject of bullying. |
The Entity: It (Pennywise)
It is not merely a monster but an ancient, cosmic evil that thrives on fear. Its ability to take on any form, from a monstrous leper to a headless boy, makes it a uniquely psychological threat. Pennywise, its most iconic manifestation, uses a cheerful facade to lure children, making its true nature even more unsettling.
- Shapeshifting Abilities: It can transform into any fear, making it a highly adaptable predator.
- Cyclical Appearances: It emerges approximately every 27 years to feed, causing a surge in violence and disappearances in Derry.
- Vulnerability: It seems weakened by unity, belief, and the absence of fear, which the Losers exploit.
Themes Explored
Beyond the horror, It delves into profound themes that resonate with audiences:
- Coming-of-Age: The children's journey from naive youth to scarred but strong individuals.
- Friendship and Loyalty: The unbreakable bond among the Losers is their greatest weapon.
- Overcoming Fear: The central challenge for each character is to confront and conquer their personal fears to defeat It.
- Trauma and Memory: The film explores how childhood trauma shapes individuals and the power of repressed memories (especially in the sequel).
- The Loss of Innocence: The children's terrifying experiences strip away their innocence, forcing them to mature rapidly.
The Arc of the Story
The 2017 film focuses on the Losers' Club in their childhood, as they discover It's existence and wage their first battle against the entity. After a climactic confrontation in the sewers beneath Derry, they believe they have defeated It. However, they make a pact: if It ever returns, they will too, to finish what they started.
The sequel, It Chapter Two (2019), revisits the adult Losers' Club 27 years later, when It resurfaces. They must grapple with their repressed memories, reignite their bonds, and face their deepest fears once more to confront the evil that plagued their childhood.
Ultimately, the story of It is a terrifying yet poignant exploration of the monsters that lurk both in the shadows and within ourselves, and the enduring power of friendship to overcome them.
