After Andy Muschietti’s IT adaptation was met with wide critical acclaim back in 2017, it’s no surprise that the second chapter of the reimagining of Stephan King’s classic horror has been one of the most highly anticipated films of the year.
While Chapter One was seeped against the nostalgic backdrop of a childhood summer, being lead by talented young actors (namely, Jaeden Lieberher, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Jack Dylan Grazer, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Wyatt Oleff, and Chosen Jacobs), Chapter Two allows for a fresh adult cast to take centre stage with James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, Jay Ryan, James Ransone, and Isaiah Mustafa, and, of course Bill Skarsgard reprising his bone-chilling take on Pennywise the dancing clown.
Set 27 years after the events of the first film, IT: Chapter Two follows the losers club as they return to Derry and reunite for one last stand against the diabolical Pennywise. The cosmic beings sinister return is quickly established in the film’s opening minutes with an intense sequence that’s been adapted straight from the pages of King’s book. Upon realising IT has returned, an adult Mike Hanlon (the only loser to have stayed in Derry) reaches out to his childhood friends and reminds them of the vow they once made that ‘if it ever comes back, we will too.’
One of the best aspects that made Chapter One so enticing was the sheer chemistry between the young losers and thankfully, that chemistry remains when the old friends are reunited over dinner in a scene that begins with charm and humour before descending into darker territory as everyone’s memories flood back and the severity of their circumstances sink in. The past and present are intertwined brilliantly throughout the film as we first catch previously unseen memories of that summer including each kids unsettling encounter with Pennywise in the wake of their first battle at Neibolt. These flashbacks not only allow for additional insight into the kids fears (Richie’s in particular paves the way for a powerful subplot), but also give fans a chance to see more of the beloved young cast without simply rehashing old footage.
The adult losers all play their parts well, but it’s Bill Hader that steals the show with a standout performance. Without delving into spoilers, Richie goes through a character arc that carries a lot of emotional weight and results in some of Chapter Two’s most heart wrenching moments. Coming from a comedy background, it was clear that he would bring the funny side of Richie to life, as Finn Wolfhard did in Chapter One, but seeing his dramatic abilities only further cement his acting skills and if any cast member were to take away an ‘MVP’ title for Chapter Two it would certainly be Hader.
It was promised the scares would be pushed further in the sequel and all blood and gore is definitely amped up. However, there’s a big reliance on CGI and jump scares that, as the film goes on, ultimately become repetitive and all too predictable. Fortunately despite scares falling flat, Bill Skarsgard continues to deliver a heart stopping portrayal of Pennywise that will undoubtedly send shivers down your spine.
Chapter Two may not work wonders as a standalone film (nor is it really supposed to), a back to back viewing alongside Chapter One will take audiences on a scary, very satisfying journey. Ultimately, what makes IT strike such a powerful chord is how trauma is represented in the losers fears. The subjects of abuse, survivor’s guilt, bullying, and racism are all highlighted in Chapter One, and, in Chapter Two the struggle of confronting childhood trauma becomes the true central focus of the story. Ultimately, with brilliantly balanced horror and humour, some absolutely perfect casting, Andy Muschietti has crafted a stunning piece of cinema with IT Chapter Two, that ensures the losers club will stay in audiences hearts for many years to come.
