Terrifying! Don’t miss it

FILM: IT

CAST: Jaeden Lieberher, Sophia Lillis, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Finn Wolfhard, Jack Dylan Grazer, Wyatt Oleff, Chosen Jacobs, Nicholas Hamilton, Bill Skarskgard

DIRECTOR : Andy Muschietti

This terrifying new movie adaptation of Stephen King’s novel after 1990’s made-for-TV series about unsolved child murders shouldn’t be missed except by those with an aversion to clowns like musicimpresario Simon Cowell. Like many of King’s books (most notably Carrie) IT is a coming-ofage story which unnerves the viewer with its visceral horror.

A bunch of young hugely talented unknown actors play seven misfits aka Losers who are haunted and hunted by hate-filled bullies and thetitular antagonist (Bill Skarsgard). This entity represents the sum of all the youngsters (and our) fears. Fear disrupts, destroys and sucks at the resolve in our souls.

IT, the film judiciously juxtaposes supernatural evil with real life horrors. The titular demon surfaces into the fictional town of Derry as the Clown Pennywise, to terrorise the residents who are pound-foolish in their response to the spate of adult deaths and child abductions. Indeed, some parents are less than exemplary models of behaviour. Director Muschietti and the screenwriters are sensitive in their delineation of King’s heroic band. Beverly (Sophia Lillis) is molested by her father, Eddie (Jack Dylan Grazer) is overdosed with placebos by an ultra- possessive mother, the leader Bill (Jaeden Lieberher) stutters, Mike (Chosen Jacobs) the poverty stricken African-American is forced to work, motormouth sceptic (Finn Wolfhard) suffers from poor eyesight, Ben (Jeremy Ray Taylor) the smartest, is painfully shyand overweight.

This diverse group is enhanced by a reluctant Jewish lad, Stan (Wyatt Oleff) Growing up pains are a distant memory for most adults but Mischietti’s execution of King’s novel masterfully evokes the fear, sadness and anger the kids feel when they are being hounded or betrayed.

Feminists will rejoice the much maligned and only girl in the group is bravery personified and her fearlessness is the best attack/defense against the shape-shifting, murderous Clown. In the end, there is only love and loyalty.

This truth is what lifts this movie above the jump scares and the dreadful sight of dead children. There is more to come. IT is only chapter one. ronitatorcato@gmail.com