It (2017)

It (2017) is an American supernatural horror film directed by Andy Muschietti and written by Chase Palmer, Cary Fukunaga, and Gary Dauberman. The movie is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Stephen King and focuses on the first half of the story. In October 1988, twelve-year-old Bill Denbrough creates a paper sailboat for his six-year-old brother, Georgie. While playing with it in the rain, Georgie loses the boat down a storm drain where he encounters Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The clown lures Georgie closer, bites his arm off, and drags him into the sewer. The following summer in June 1989, Bill’s friends Richie Tozier, Eddie Kaspbrak, and Stan Uris join him in facing off against bullies Henry Bowers, Belch Huggins, Patrick Hockstetter, and Victor Criss. Still struggling with his brother’s disappearance, Bill believes that Georgie’s body may have ended up in a marshy area known as the Barrens.

Recruiting his friends to investigate, believing Georgie may still be alive, Bill enlists the help of his new classmate Ben Hanscom. Through their research, Ben discovers that the town has a history of unexplained tragedies and child disappearances spanning centuries. When Bowers’ gang sets their sights on him, he seeks refuge in the Barrens where he crosses paths with Bill’s group. While searching for Ben, Patrick falls victim to Pennywise in the sewers. Along the way, they also encounter Beverly Marsh who has been subject to bullying due to rumors about her promiscuity. As both Bill and Ben develop feelings for Beverly, she joins their mission. Later on, they are joined by orphan Mike Hanlon after rescuing him from Bowers’ clutches. Each member of the group has experienced terrifying encounters with the same menacing clown who attacked Georgie: a headless undead boy (Ben), a blood-spewing sink that only children can see (Beverly), a diseased and rotting leper (Eddie), a disturbing painting coming alive (Stan), Mike’s parents burning alive (Mike), and a frightening phantom of Georgie (Bill).