Review: IT (2017 Film) — Chapter One
Release Date: September 8, 2017 · Format: Feature Film
The 2017 film adaptation of IT takes the most memorable part of the novel — the Losers’ Club as kids — and re-imagines it with a modern, visceral horror vision. The decision to isolate this portion gives the story more focus, more energy, and tighter pacing.
The young cast resonates with authenticity: their fears feel genuine, their friendships real. This helps the horror land harder — the viewer cares about the kids before Pennywise even appears. The setting in the 1980s (rather than 1950s) gives a nostalgic sheen without hampering the terror.
Visually, the film is bold: vivid scares, clever set pieces, and an unflinching tone. While the novel’s vast mythology is trimmed back (less about cosmic horror, more about the clown and kids), the change works to create a streamlined horror experience.
On the flip side, fans of the novel may miss some of the deeper mythos (the Turtle, the full Ritual of Chüd) and the adult timeline entirely. But that’s also the point: this film doesn’t aim to adapt the whole of IT at once — it gives you the first half in cinematic form.
Conclusion: For anyone looking for horror that blends childhood, friendship and terror, the 2017 IT hits a sweet spot. It might not be “everything” from the book, but sometimes less is more — and this film proves it.
Updated on: October 28, 2025
Related: IT Book Review | IT 1990 Miniseries Review | IT Chapter Two Review | Welcome to Derry Review
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