‘Welcome to Derry’ Review: HBO’s ‘It’ Prequel Lacks Original Frights
HBO’s new series, It: Welcome to Derry, serves as a prequel to the popular adaptations of Stephen King’s iconic novel “It.” Scheduled to air at 9 p.m. on October 26, the show dives into the ominous history of the fictional town of Derry, Maine, exploring the dark secrets that lurk beneath its picturesque surface.
Plot Overview
The series begins in April 1962, four months after a chilling event in Derry. Charlotte Hanlon, played by Taylour Paige, along with her husband Leroy (Jovan Adepo), relocates to Derry with their son Will. Leroy, a Korean War veteran, is stationed at a nearby Air Force base. As they settle in, they encounter troubling occurrences that hint at the town’s sinister past.
Character Dynamics
- Charlotte Hanlon: The main protagonist navigating Derry’s eerie ambiance.
- Leroy: A military man with a complex background.
- Will: Their child who becomes embroiled in Derry’s haunting realities.
- Supporting Characters: A group of misfit youth becomes central to the story, unveiling the town’s mysteries.
Exploring Derry’s Secrets
Derry is portrayed as a beautiful yet dangerous town, echoing the sentiment that “things do happen from time to time.” The show hints at a cycle of horror recurring every 27 years, characterized by the children’s struggles against malevolent forces.
Production and Direction
Developed by Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, and Jason Fuchs, the show aims to weave together nostalgia and horror. However, the narrative has been criticized for relying on familiar tropes rather than offering fresh scares. While it incorporates elements from King’s expansive universe, it often feels derivative.
References to Stephen King’s Universe
Fans of the King canon will notice various allusions throughout the episodes. Key characters and settings tie back to King’s established lore, connecting the past and present of Derry. The series features notable actors including Madeleine Stowe, James Remar, and Chris Chalk, although some feel underutilized.
Visuals and Tone
The aesthetic choices, from gory openings to unsettling sequences, aim to create a creepy atmosphere. Certain scenes, like a nostalgic bicycle ride in a graveyard, bring a playful yet eerie vibe reminiscent of classic horror storytelling. However, the series struggles to innovate beyond the original themes established in previous adaptations.
Conclusion
While It: Welcome to Derry succeeds in capturing the essence of its source material, it often leans on repetition rather than originality. The series highlights the complexities of childhood fears within a Maine backdrop, but it remains to be seen whether it will carve a unique identity in the broader landscape of horror television.
