Strong child performances carry a horror that doesn't always frighten.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for 'It' is mixed-to-positive, with most reviewers acknowledging the film's effectiveness as a horror entry despite some reservations. The performances of the child actors are the most consistently highlighted strength across reviews, with several critics singling out their naturalism and conviction. On the negative side, a portion of critics found the scares underwhelming and the adaptation incomplete, with one reviewer calling it 'half-baked' and another pointing to repetitive horror conventions. Enthusiastic reviewers praised the film's tonal range and its promise as a setup for a sequel, while detractors felt it fell short on tension and thrills.
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 8 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
The less you know about the movie the more you will enjoy it. It's the kind of film made for everyone, so it's pertinent that you go and see it now that it's out in theaters. Be careful walking around water drains though. And if you lose a paper boat around the drain, good luck getting it back.
Top critic
Film review ·
What saves the film from collapsing is the acting by the children, who are effortlessly natural, whether they are just being boys or just being scared kids. As the object of their combined admiration, but with horrors of her own Lillis is both boldly aware and heartbreakingly fragile.
Film review ·
Muschietti has made one of the best horror movies of the year. It's funny and warm and touching and frightening and profane and profound. It's a terrific set-up to what is going to be a restlessly-anticipated Chapter 2. It floats. You'll float too.
Film review ·
What works in the film's favour is that it acts not only as a strong entry by itself but also as a build-up to the inevitable and now essential sequel. Rest assured - King's nightmare is alive, freaky and endearing at the same time. If you're a horror fan, don't miss 'It'!
Film review ·
Bill and the kids do a fantastic and totally convincing job of drawing the viewer in. The esoteric mix of wonder, danger and learning is quite a potent one. It is both poignant and harrowing!
Film review ·
The idea of an entity that doesn't just feed on fear, but that carefully curates it, like the sadistic program director of a Halloween film festival, may not be exactly new. It is, however - like It itself - surprisingly effective.
Film review ·
IT appears to be a half-baked adaptation that had a lot of ground to cover effectively, and thus fell short on major aspects. The scares are less, the thrill is nil, just the strong characters and patent psychological 'monsters' keep this horror-thriller afloat.
Film review ·
Indulge in this misadventure if horror works for you in spite of the repetitiveness and the good old mirrors, open doors, shrieks and shrills still scare the daylights out of you. If not, go grab a copy of The Shining and let Jack Nicholson do his job.
Credits
Jeremy Ray TaylorBen Hanscom
Jaeden LieberherBill Denbrough
Bill SkarsgårdPennywise
Javier BotetThe Leper
Roy Lee
Dan Lin
Seth Grahame-Smith
Cary Fukunaga
Gary Dauberman
Benjamin Wallfisch
Jason Ballantine
Andy MuschiettiEnglish films like It
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