Stephen King stands out as one of the most influential horror writers of the last century. Among his extensive collection of works, the 1986 novel It holds a special place in fans’ hearts. The narrative initially made its way to television with a miniseries in 1990, featuring Tim Curry’s iconic portrayal of Pennywise. However, it took nearly three decades for the story to reemerge on the big screen.
In 2017, filmmaker Andy Muschietti unveiled the first installment of a new adaptation, with Bill Skarsgård taking on the role of Pennywise. To my surprise, It: Chapter One quickly became one of my all-time favorite films. Since my initial viewing, I have revisited it numerous times, and one particular scene leaves a lasting impression: the tragic death of Georgie Denbrough. This pivotal moment contains a detail that, though not prominently explained, amplifies the horror of the scene.
A Bystander Observes Georgie’s Tragic Fate
A Disturbing Apathy
The effectiveness of It: Chapter One lies in how deftly the creative team introduces Pennywise, the terrifying clown also known as the Deadlights or the “Eater of Worlds.”The chilling encounter between Georgie and Pennywise establishes a disturbing atmosphere. Had they not executed this scene with precision, the audience might not have fully engaged with the unfolding horror. This scene becomes terrifying due to a remarkable detail that remains unexplained, enhancing the overall impact of the narrative.
One enigmatic detail is the apathetic demeanor of the townspeople in Derry, Maine. While Georgie and Pennywise converse, a woman strolls out to her porch to observe them. She does not return indoors, suggesting she witnesses the horrific event unfold. Astonishingly, despite the chaos, she maintains an eerie calmness, showing no fear at the pool of blood left in the street. In contrast, her cat displays more concern about the situation than she does.
Pennywise’s Control Over Derry’s Adults
The Depths of Pennywise’s Power
While It: Chapter One does not explicitly explain the woman’s behavior, this moment serves as a telling indication of Pennywise’s considerable powers. The original Stephen King novel reveals that It holds sway over the entire town of Derry, with adults being no exception to this control. This woman’s passive observation of Georgie’s murder is just the beginning of illustrating Pennywise’s sinister influence throughout the film.
In a subsequent sequence, an elderly couple drives past with no concern for the aggressive actions of the Bowers gang towards Ben on the bridge, a red balloon ominously visible in their backseat. Additionally, posters of missing children are carelessly plastered over one another, hinting at the community’s heartbreaking indifference towards the alarming disappearances. This overarching apathy is crucial to understanding why the Losers Club becomes Pennywise’s unwitting adversaries; they are the only ones willing to confront the menace, distinguishing themselves as the true heroes in this horror narrative.