“IT Chapter Two,” released on Sept. 6, and is a rare case in which the remake outshines the original, highlighting that with the power of friendship and love, a “sloppy bitch” is no match for “Losers.”
It is tied up in a way that breaks hearts and offers hope at the same time, with the help of a phenomenal cast.
The film does not deliver the best horror by using cheesy CGI zombies as a jump-scare tactic, but in the realistic horrors of life– implied pedophilia, children being murdered and homophobia, using Pennywise as the cover for those who have a fear of clowns.
“IT Chapter Two” is set in 2016, 27 years after the “Loser’s Club” unsuccessfully killed Pennywise in their adolescent years and in order to honor a blood pact made amongst the group, they are adamantly instructed by Mike Hanlon, played by Isaiah Mustafa, to return to Derry and finish the job.
Watching a gay couple peacefully enjoying their date night out and ultimately being violently beaten by people of Derry, while simultaneously being slashed with homophobic slurs and then killed off by Pennywise is a bone-chilling image that lingers long after the film’s end.
Controversy over the opening scene sparked, although it was taken straight from Stephen King’s novel “IT” according to Variety, to showcase the relevancy in hate crimes in the past and present.
It makes one wonder: was it necessary to go hard with the homophobic slurs and “bury your gays” trope to make that point?
When will gay couples get their big, cinematic endings with fancy boats, fluffy dogs and beautiful sunsets?
When the Losers are at last reunited, the scene sets the tone for their relationships with endless bickering and teasing one another, but obvious care and love still present.
The adult cast eerily looks exactly like their kid versions in the best way possible.
Jessica Chastain, who plays Beverly Marsh and Bill Hader, who plays Richie Tozier, stand out in their adult adaptations of their younger selves– making viewers laugh and even some, cry with them.
There were many more laughs and sniffles heard than gasps of fright amongst the audience.
If viewers are looking for a horror film that focuses more on the values of friendship and sticking together while being reminded of everyday, realistic horrors that occur, look to “IT Chapter Two.”
