It (2017)

Last updated:
August 26, 2025

It (2017), directed by Andy Muschietti, is a chilling adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic 1986 novel. This first installment focuses on the “Losers’ Club” as kids, battling an ancient evil haunting their small town of Derry, Maine. The film mixes horror, coming-of-age drama, and psychological thrills to create a story that’s both terrifying and heartfelt.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

The Tragedy of Georgie

The film begins with young Georgie Denbrough chasing his paper boat through the rainy streets of Derry. When it falls into a storm drain, he encounters Pennywise the Dancing Clown (Bill Skarsgård). Their conversation shifts from playful to sinister before Pennywise’s jaw unhinges and he bites Georgie’s arm off, dragging him into the sewer. This sets the tone: no one in Derry is safe.

Meeting the Losers’ Club

Bill Denbrough, Georgie’s older brother, becomes consumed with finding him. Alongside his friends Richie, Eddie, and Stanley, they form the beginnings of what will be known as the Losers’ Club. Eventually, they’re joined by Beverly Marsh, Ben Hanscom, and Mike Hanlon. Each child carries their own trauma: abusive parents, bullying, grief, or loneliness. Pennywise exploits these fears, appearing in terrifying forms tailored to each of them.

The Terror of Derry

The kids realize that Pennywise is not a regular killer but a supernatural being who wakes every 27 years to feed on the children of Derry. Ben uncovers historical evidence of a cycle of disappearances dating back centuries. Meanwhile, Pennywise continues terrorizing the kids with hallucinations and horrifying set pieces, most notably the infamous “projector scene,” where he leaps from the screen into reality.

The House on Neibolt Street

The Losers’ Club confronts Pennywise in a decrepit house. Inside, they endure brutal scares, including Eddie being attacked by a leper and Pennywise nearly devouring Bill. The encounter nearly splits the group, but Beverly delivers a decisive blow to Pennywise with a metal rod, proving he can be hurt.

Breaking Point

After a heated fallout, the group separates. Pennywise capitalizes by abducting Beverly, dragging her into the sewers. This becomes the catalyst for the kids to reunite, vowing to end Pennywise’s reign once and for all.

Movie Ending

In the final act, the Losers’ Club descends into the sewers beneath Derry to rescue Beverly. They discover piles of children’s belongings, floating bodies, and a massive chamber where Pennywise keeps his victims suspended in the air, “floating.” Beverly, having been exposed to Pennywise’s “deadlights,” is in a trance but is awakened when Ben kisses her.

The group faces Pennywise in a brutal showdown. He shifts forms, taunts them with their worst fears, and tries to break their unity. However, the Losers realize that together, they are stronger than him. They fight back with determination, beating Pennywise physically and emotionally. Wounded and weakened, Pennywise retreats into the darkness, falling into the void while ominously muttering: “Fear…”

The children take a blood oath, promising that if Pennywise ever returns, they will come back to Derry to stop him again. Bill has one final heartbreaking moment when he accepts Georgie’s death and says goodbye to him in spirit.

The movie ends with the title card: “Chapter One.”

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

There is no traditional post-credits scene. However, at the very end of the credits, viewers hear Pennywise’s sinister laugh. This serves as a teaser, confirming that the story is far from over and setting up It Chapter Two.

Type of Movie

It (2017) is a supernatural horror film with strong elements of psychological thriller, coming-of-age drama, and dark fantasy.

Cast

Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Dancing Clown
Jaeden Martell as Bill Denbrough
Sophia Lillis as Beverly Marsh
Finn Wolfhard as Richie Tozier
Jeremy Ray Taylor as Ben Hanscom
Chosen Jacobs as Mike Hanlon
Jack Dylan Grazer as Eddie Kaspbrak
Wyatt Oleff as Stanley Uris
Nicholas Hamilton as Henry Bowers

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Benjamin Wallfisch, blending haunting orchestral tones with unsettling, childlike melodies. His music adds an eerie atmosphere, especially in moments where Pennywise lurks in the shadows.

Filming Locations

Most of the movie was shot in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada, which doubled as Derry, Maine. The picturesque small-town setting contrasted with the horror lurking beneath the surface. Key locations like the Neibolt House and the sewers were constructed as sets, while Port Hope’s historic streets gave Derry an authentic charm.

Awards and Nominations

Nominated for Best Horror Film at the Saturn Awards
Bill Skarsgård received widespread praise, winning the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain
The film was also a box office phenomenon, breaking records for horror openings.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Bill Skarsgård terrified the child actors on set, as they weren’t shown his full Pennywise costume until filming began.
The infamous “projector scene” wasn’t in the script at first—it was added late in production and became one of the scariest moments.
Sophia Lillis did many of her own stunts, including the bloody bathroom scene.
Skarsgård’s ability to move his eyes in different directions was real, not CGI.

Inspirations and References

The film is based on Stephen King’s novel It, but Muschietti adapted only the childhood portion for this installment. References to classic horror films and nods to King’s wider universe (like “Derry” being mentioned in other King stories) are sprinkled throughout.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

A few deleted scenes exist, including an extended version of Henry Bowers’ storyline. One notable deleted scene shows Pennywise eating a baby, which was deemed too disturbing for audiences. No alternate ending was produced; Muschietti stayed true to the book’s central conclusion.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While the film captures the essence of King’s novel, there are notable differences:

The book alternates between the Losers as kids and adults, while the movie splits these timelines into two films.
Some fears were modernized (like the projector scene replacing King’s original mummy sequence).
The controversial elements of the book, such as the infamous “bonding scene” among the kids, were omitted entirely.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Georgie’s death in the storm drain.
The bathroom scene where Beverly is attacked by blood erupting from the sink.
The projector scare.
The Losers’ first showdown with Pennywise in the Neibolt House.
Beverly floating in the deadlights chamber.

Iconic Quotes

Pennywise: “Hiya, Georgie. What a nice boat. Do you want it back?”
Pennywise: “You’ll float too!”
Richie Tozier: “Welcome to the Losers’ Club, asshole!”
Bill Denbrough: “He’s not afraid of you. We are. And that’s why we’re gonna kill you.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The film is set in the late 1980s, aligning the kids’ story with Stephen King’s intended generational cycle.
Derry’s history of disasters mirrors events described in King’s wider universe.
The Paul Bunyan statue (briefly shown) foreshadows its major role in It Chapter Two.
Posters of Beetlejuice and Batman reference the era and hint at Tim Burton’s gothic style.

Trivia

The film was originally going to be directed by Cary Fukunaga before Andy Muschietti took over.
The child actors bonded so well that they remained close friends after production.
The Neibolt House interior was a full-scale set, not just a soundstage.
It (2017) became the highest-grossing horror movie of all time, surpassing The Exorcist.

Why Watch?

Because It is more than just a horror movie—it’s about childhood, fear, friendship, and the monsters we all face, literal or metaphorical. Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise is an unforgettable villain, and the Losers’ Club delivers heartfelt performances that anchor the scares with genuine emotion.

Director’s Other Movies

Recommended Films for Fans

The Goonies (1985)
Stand by Me (1986)
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Doctor Sleep (2019)
Pet Sematary (2019)

It (2017)