‘It: Welcome to Derry’ will satisfy fans of horror and of Stephen King’s deadly clown

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If you’ve been reviewing television for a while, you’ve almost certainly seen several shows based on the works of Stephen King – he’s the most frequently adapted author in America. (Just three months ago, another one, “The Institute,” appeared on MGM+.) Now, HBO is adding to the long list with “It: Welcome to Derry,” a prequel to the successful 2017 film “It” and its 2019 sequel, “It: Chapter Two.” Both films were based on King’s classic 1986 horror novel about a terrifying clown, and were quite profitable. It’s worth noting there was also a TV miniseries adaptation back in 1990.

Created by Andy and Barbara Muschietti, along with Jason Fuchs, the series “Derry” expands on the existing story rather than retelling it. It features Pennywise (played again by Bill Skarsgård), the terrifying clown who dwells in the sewers and resurfaces every 27 years to prey on children’s fears – a classic monster trope, especially given the current cultural distrust of clowns. While the show likely draws from Stephen King’s massive 1,138-page novel, it’s safe to say most viewers won’t be checking. Ultimately, “Derry” is a fairly standard television series – not groundbreaking, but it delivers some effective scares with its monsters (or, more specifically, one monster appearing in different forms).

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This season, shows like the drama ‘Black Rabbit,’ the documentary series ‘Mr. Scorsese,’ and the comedy ‘DMV’ exemplify the idea that television should offer a wide variety of content to appeal to all viewers.

The story begins in 1962 in the town of Derry, Maine, with flashbacks planned for 1935 and 1908. It’s a time of Cold War anxieties, and schoolchildren are taught to hide under their desks in case of a nuclear attack – more for reassurance than actual protection. Despite the fear of global destruction, everyday teenage life continues. There’s the usual bullying, a clique of popular girls called the Pattycakes led by a girl named Patty, and a group of outcast kids who stick together. Horror movies often position outsiders as either heroes or monsters, while those who fit in are typically the victims. And the monsters aren’t choosy about who they prey on.

The story begins in a movie theater during a screening of “The Music Man,” with Robert Preston singing “Ya Got Trouble.” (This scene subtly hints at what’s to come!) We meet Matty, a boy who’s unusually old to still be using a pacifier, as he’s being kicked out for sneaking in. It’s a snowy night, and he gratefully accepts a ride from a family who appear ordinary at first, but quickly prove to be anything but. The scene then jumps forward four months, revealing that Matty has officially been reported missing.

The series starts strong, introducing a group of young investigators – a familiar setup reminiscent of shows like “It” and “Stranger Things.” Phil is preoccupied with aliens and relationships, while Teddy is a focused student with a crush on Matty. Lilly, labeled as eccentric after a stay at Juniper Hill Asylum following her father’s tragic accident at a pickle factory, believes she heard Matty singing through her drain. Ronnie, the projectionist’s daughter, hears voices within the theater’s plumbing. When the kids play a mysterious film, things quickly descend into supernatural chaos – it’s genuinely wild! Throughout the series, they’re plagued by disturbing hallucinations, leaving you to wonder what’s real and what isn’t.

Air Force Major Leroy Hanlon, played by Jovan Adepo, arrives at the local base where a secretive operation is underway. The military is trying to capture and weaponize the strange, dangerous creature lurking in the woods. Leroy is valuable to the mission because a brain injury has left him unable to feel fear. His family – wife Charlotte, a civil rights activist, and son Will – are among the very few Black residents of Derry. Leroy warns Charlotte to avoid trouble, but she points out that trouble seems to find them no matter where they are, given the country he’s dedicated his life to protecting. Will, who has a scientific mind, befriends a quirky band member named Rich, and together, the two boys will investigate the mystery surrounding Pennywise.

The children, including Marge (a standout performer known from “Station Eleven” and “The Santa Clauses”) and Lilly’s friend who really wants to fit in, are the most compelling part of the show. Their vibrant energy makes the story more engaging, so scenes that focus on less important side plots feel slow and aren’t as effective.

Beyond the haunted house story, the film touches on themes of Native American history, symbolized by Rose, a resilient thrift store owner who could become an ally to the main character. The narrative briefly explores the idea of manifest destiny, contrasting Native humility with white arrogance. Dick Hallorann, a Black veteran, possesses a powerful ability that’s exploited by those in power – a sadly familiar trope. While racism is present throughout the film, it doesn’t drive the central plot, but offers commentary relevant to contemporary issues. A dialogue exchange highlights this, with characters questioning whether the country lives up to its ideals.

A Paul Bunyan statue is being erected in town, mirroring a 31-foot statue unveiled in Bangor, Maine, back in 1959. This detail is mentioned a few times, leading me to suspect a similar, large-scale event – like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters – might happen later in the series. Or perhaps something else entirely.

Horror, particularly the kind that focuses on disturbing physical transformations, is now mainstream. We’re seeing major stars take on horror roles, and the genre is gaining recognition with award nominations. The days of simple, low-budget horror movies seem to be over. While “Welcome to Derry” feels more like a classic, slightly campy horror film – relying on familiar ideas (though Stephen King created many of those ideas originally) – that’s actually a good thing. Thankfully, TV continues to be a place where these fun, less-serious horror stories can thrive, and hopefully, that doesn’t change.

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2025-10-24 13:31