[film review] It: Chapter Two (2019)
Genre: horror
Director: Andy Muschietti
Screenwriter: Gary Dauberman (based on the novel by Stephen King)
Cast: Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, Jay Ryan, James Ransone, Bill Skarsgård
Cinematographer: Checco Varese
Screen time: 2h49
Grade: A
With the same genius method of scarring, the second chapter with 3-hour long served the audience a larger feast of horror than its prequel. “It: Chapter Two” apparently secures the position in one of the best horror franchises (even better than The Conjuring universe in my opinion).
After 27 years, the Losers meet again in Derry gathered by Mike Hanlon (Isaiah Mustafa). They are informed that Pennywise has returned and pushed Derry back to its dark time with many missing cases and atrocious murders. Bill Denbrough (James McAvoy) and his team, now are grow-ups, once again have to face their childhood fear and memories that they have been trying to forget in order to kill Pennywise (Bill Skarsgard) once and for all. With regard to Mike’s research, the Losers learn about Pennywise’s origin and the procedure to kill it. While executing the plan, each member takes the audience experience their nostalgia of 27 years ago in Derry. However, by doing so, each has to confront the unsolved fear they have left behind.
The film splits among the critics and receives 65% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Andy Muschietti‘s work is considered by some is lengthy and unsatisfied concluded. Other suggest that the flashbacks of the Losers unnecessarily consumes two-thirds of the plot and the director has overused the childhood pain topic which causes “It: Chapter Two” is basically more like an extension cut of the first chapter. Although the second chapter is a step back, I respectfully disagree most of the comments above. The film doesn’t mine the same topic, it reflects the reality of the fears which are easily assumed to be gone. Each childhood fear of each member is basically a mental disorder, it is a part of their unwanted memories. Winning Pennywise 27 years ago was just the first time they stood against their own fears and they didn’t overcome them. Since then, despite their oath of coming back when Pennywise returns, they live on with buried memories, refuse to confront and remember. At the age of 30s, life is more complicated and adults have more fears than they did when they were young, the Losers realize they are afraid of their past more than ever. Therefore, killing Pennywise permanently refers to harmonizing their past and forgiving themselves. However, it can be seen that the plot clumsily conveys the message causing the difficulty in linking images.
The way of killing Pennywise is also a controversial topic. (Spoiler ahead!) It seems the Losers encourage violent communication by shouting at Pennywise hurtful things that describe itself in order to make it feel little, since Pennywise’s source of power is human fears. The way they apply is actually what they suffered in the past, being bullied physically and verbally. However, I believe this is just another clumsy writing which creates accidental misinterpretation of the audience. Despite the lack of creative of the killing procedure, the meaning of it is quite hard to catch but worth looked into. Earlier in Pennywise’s lair, Eddie Kaspbrak (James Ransone), one of the most coward member of the team, makes one the bravest decision in order to save Richie Tozier (Bill Hader) by throwing a metal spear that Beverly Marsh (Jessica Chastain) gave him. Before doing so, Eddie mumbles the words that Bev said when handing him “This thing can kill it. You have to believe this thing can kill it.” That image indicates fears are just one of our beliefs, they are terrifying because we believe so. Later, the team learn that it is easier to kill Pennywise when it transforms into something little. Therefore, they have to make it believe that it is little by verbally bullying it, after the idea of luring it into a small space failed. In my perspective, the scene is meant to empathize how words can affect our beliefs and fears are one of them. This method is also used by Pennywise in hunting, it says things and projects illusions that trigger its prey’s guilts and shame and allures their fears when their self-esteem is weak.
“It: Chapter Two” is brilliant in its scarring techniques. The appearance of every monster that Pennywise morphs into is very creative and haunting. The jumpscares are predictable in terms of where they happen, but not in terms of when like the beat is dropped sooner or earlier than you expect in a rave festival. Especially when Pennywise suddenly freeze like the broken tape. However, what I love the most about the film is the depiction of friendship among the Losers which clearly is what makes it so great. All the interactions, conversations, arguments and jokes remind me of the first chapter and make me realize how much I miss them. Each member is also well portrayed and written and 3 hours are just enough for the viewers to follow each one of them. Some people might feel the film is lengthy if they expect more actions and horror elements of Pennywise, but I assume Andy Muschietti pays more attention to the Losers’ Club friendship and each member’s journey. Despite being a horror film, it does not have horror as the central theme.
Eventually, “It: Chapter Two” is worth enjoying in cinema. Although being criticized for its ending and negligent writing, as a commercial horror franchise, the film meets the audience’s pleasure. Put your expectation in a right position, Pennywise has its own signature way of scarring as well as the horror is not the main theme, therefore it might not what you look for.
Nguyen Hoang Bao
