Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

The 2017 film It, directed by Andy Muschietti, is an adaptation of Stephen King's 1986 novel. The story is set in Derry, Maine, and follows a group of seven children who battle an ancient, evil, shape-shifting monster they call "It." This creature emerges every 27 years to prey on the town's children, most often appearing as the terrifying clown Pennywise.

The narrative alternates between 1958, when the children first confront It, and 1985, when the now-adult survivors reunite to face the monster again. The novel, and by extension the film, explores themes of childhood trauma and its lasting effects. The character of Pennywise, portrayed in the film by Bill Skarsgård, has become particularly iconic in the horror genre.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
2 Britannica Sources
  1. It
  2. Into the Woods: Top Questions

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.