Something undeniably resonates in the horror thriller **It**, tapping into a widespread fear of clowns as unsettling and irritating figures, particularly for those with an intense phobia. Pennywise the Dancing Clown, with his disturbing appearance and cruel methods, certainly stands out when it comes to treacherous behavior and causing distress to unsuspecting children. A word of advice to parents: perhaps avoid inviting Pennywise to your kids’ birthday parties anytime soon if you want them to enjoy singing songs and blowing up balloons. This is simply a friendly warning. There's more to discuss about this bizarre, circus-inspired character later on. Director Andy Muschietti (‘Mama’) explores this surprisingly captivating and terrifying story of a killer clown who derives pleasure from ending the lives of young people in rural areas. Skillfully unsettling and disturbingly enjoyable, **It** feels like a welcome return to classic horror films that rely on frightening imagery and suspense rather than just gore, with the impact stemming from both the violent acts and the disturbing nature of what’s happening. Polished and gripping with its dark and ominous atmosphere, **It** offers a convincing look at the psychology of a character who defies expectations through a playful commentary on the loss of innocence in childhood. Based on the novel by Stephen King, **It** delivers a wild and wicked story born from an imaginative mind, focusing on the sinister actions of Pennywise (played with unsettling intensity and devilish charm by Bill Skarsgard from ‘Atomic Blonde’), whose murderous methods have been a trademark of his madness for centuries. The young survivors in the quiet town of Derry, Maine, must now protect themselves from this menacing clown and find a way to stop him before he continues to victimize more children. The backstory reveals that Pennywise is a shape-shifting demon who emerges from the sewers to prey on vulnerable individuals, conducting his bloody schemes. However, a group of children refuses to be intimidated by the demented clown and their attempt to confront him will prove to be a traumatic experience. The story centers around young Bill (Jaeden Lieberher, ‘Allegiant’) and his early encounter with Pennywise’s wrath, suggesting that the clown is somehow connected to the disappearance of his younger brother, George (Jackson Robert Scott), who vanished after excitedly wanting to work on a project in the basement. This disturbing realization continues to haunt Bill. Now, Bill must navigate typical childhood challenges like avoiding bullies and dealing with peer pressure while also grappling with the legend of the sewers and the malevolent Pennywise, which creates fear for him and his friends. The group will find themselves confronting their deepest fears and anxieties as the local myth about the clown preys on their minds. The young actors in **It** all perform well, portraying the shock and terror of trying to overcome an overwhelming sense of dread. Lieberher delivers a raw and authentic performance as he tries to outsmart the demonic trickster, while other members of the group include Sophia Lillis (’37’), Finn Wolfhard (from television’s ‘Stranger Things’), Jeremy Ray Taylor (‘Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Road Chip’), Wyatt Oleff (‘Guardians Of The Galaxy”), Chosen Jacobs, Jack Dylan Grazer (‘Tales Of Halloween’) and Nicholas Hamilton (‘Captain Fantastic’). There's no doubt that Skarsgard’s portrayal of Pennywise steals the show with his disturbing nature and unsettling glee. He clearly embraces the role, creating memorable moments of horror for both the children on screen and the audience watching. While **It** does fall into some familiar traps—cheap jump scares and predictable dark sequences—these feel like an afterthought compared to the genuine madness of Pennywise’s performance. Like many horror films, it uses jarring music to heighten tension. Nevertheless, Muschietti and the screenwriters Chase Palmer, Cary Joji Funkunga and Gary Dauberman manage to create a scary and suspenseful film with well-paced anxiety and decent acting that brings King's complex vision to life. Truly **It** is one of the best horror/psychological thrillers to come out in 2017. It may also be one of Stephen King’s most effective adaptations since the brilliant, tense _Misery_ from 1990. **It** (2017) Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema 1 hour 35 minutes CAST: Bill Skarsgard, Jaeden Lieberher, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Wyatt Oleff, Chosen Jacobs, Nicholas Hamilton and Jack Dylan Grazer DIRECTOR: Andy Muschietti WRITERS: Chase Palmer, Cary Joji Funkunaga, Gary Dauberman MPAA Rating: R GENRE: Horror/Mystery & Suspense Critic’s Rating: *** stars (out of 4 stars) (c) **Frank Ochieng** 2017

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