Review: IT – Welcome to Derry / Season 1

IT: Welcome to Derry – Season 1 is set in 1962, placing the narrative 27 years before the events of the film IT: Chapter One. As established in the franchise’s mythology, evil resurfaces in Derry every 27 years. We follow a group of teenagers led by the troubled Lilly Bainbridge (Clara Stack), who is struggling with guilt and anxiety following her father’s violent death. When one of their friends vanishes without a trace, the group embarks on a search that coincides with a series of increasingly brutal and terrifying occurrences.

Parallel to the teens’ journey, an investigation unfolds at the nearby army base. Major Leroy Hanlan (Jovan Adepo) has been recruited specifically for his unique lack of fear. There, he encounters the enigmatic Dick Halloran (Chris Chalk), who appears to possess supernatural abilities. Together, they begin to realize that the entire town is in mortal danger and that these horrific events are merely the beginning of something far more sinister.

Expectations and First Impressions

While I haven’t read Stephen King’s original novel IT, it is my understanding that the showrunners have adapted previously unfilmed elements of the book to expand this televised prequel. I found the two recent IT movies somewhat underwhelming, and knowing the series shared the same director initially tempered my expectations. However, those concerns were quickly dispelled during the first episode; the series is remarkably well-executed.

Production and Performances

The production quality is cinematic, with top-tier performances across the board. The ability to elicit such nuanced acting from a young cast is particularly impressive. One of my primary grievances with the films was the reliance on unconvincing digital effects that failed to deliver genuine scares. In contrast, this series prioritizes practical effects, resulting in a visceral and, at times, genuinely frightening experience.

Pennywise and Narrative Approach

The first season spans eight episodes. Viewers tuning in solely for Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Pennywise should be aware that the demonic clown’s screen time is limited. Personally, I found this restraint effective; it allows the tension to build toward a powerful crescendo, making his eventual appearances far more impactful.

Bill Skarsgård remains a perfect fit for the role of Pennywise. The series also explores his origins, offering glimpses into his past. These sequences are highlights of the season, though there is a certain theatricality in Skarsgård’s performance during these scenes that feels slightly jarring. It’s difficult to determine if this was a deliberate creative choice or a slight struggle with the nuances of this specific character arc.

Pacing and Narrative Structure

Each episode maintains a steady pace, driving the narrative forward effectively. As is common with many modern television series, certain plot points feel slightly elongated, but overall, the momentum remains consistent.

Effects and a Problematic Sequence

While the effects are generally excellent, one sequence involving a house fire proved immersion-breaking. Despite the use of practical fire during filming, the actors fail to react to the intense heat or smoke. The visuals show walls engulfed in floor-to-ceiling flames; in reality, the conditions would be unsurvivable within seconds. The lack of physiological reaction to the smoke and heat was a notable oversight in an otherwise detailed production.

The sheer volume of fire was so extreme that I initially assumed it was another of Pennywise’s hallucinations. Surprisingly, it was intended to be literal. However, the sequence is redeemed by a poignant and beautifully shot scene that nearly makes up for the unrealistic physics of the fire.

The UHD Edition

IT: Welcome to Derry – Season 1 on UHD delivers a reference-quality visual experience. Supporting both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, the series was captured using the ARRI Alexa Mini LF in ARRIRAW. The resulting 4K transfer is exceptionally clean and sharp, boasting deep, well-defined black levels. The sequences within the Derry sewers are particularly striking, showcasing excellent contrast between the piercing light of the flashlights and the surrounding shadows.

Audio Track

The Dolby Atmos audio track provides a robust soundscape characterized by active surround channels and resonant low-frequency response. Pennywise’s resurgence and the season’s final confrontation are standout moments for the audio mix.

Extras

The supplemental material is impressive, featuring a dedicated behind-the-scenes featurette for every episode that details the production of specific scenes. The set also includes comprehensive documentaries covering the series as a whole, although the absence of a commentary track is a minor disappointment.

Summary

Ultimately, I found this series significantly more engaging than the recent film adaptations. It has even sparked an interest in revisiting the movies with the added context provided here. Dedicated Stephen King fans will recognize Dick Halloran from The Shining, as this is indeed a younger version of the character from the 1980 classic. The series is peppered with other Shining nods—pay close attention during the grocery store scene for some clever references.

The rating is high; had it not been for a few instances of inconsistent CGI, this UHD release would have achieved a perfect score.

SF Studios provided review copies for this feature. The provider has no editorial influence on our evaluations; we maintain full independence to ensure our readers and consumers receive objective insights.