It Christian Review
In 2017, Stephen King’s It floated back into the cultural zeitgeist, reimagined as a chilling cinematic experience that both terrifies and tugs at the heart. It’s not just another horror flick; it’s a layered exploration of fear, childhood, and the haunting echoes of trauma. But what does it look like when viewed through the lens of a Christian perspective? Let’s sink into the murky waters of Derry, Maine, and see what floats to the surface.
Fear, Friendship, and Faith in Humanity
If there’s one thing It gets right, it’s the way it digs into the fears that shape us. Not just the jump-scares or the grotesque figure of Pennywise, but the deeper, more existential terrors—the ones we don’t grow out of, no matter how old we get. The Losers’ Club, a ragtag group of kids, becomes the emotional backbone of the story. They’re united by their shared status as outcasts and, more importantly, by their willingness to face horrors that no one else will acknowledge.
From a Christian perspective, their courage and camaraderie shine. These kids embody what we might call “secular grace”—standing together, bearing one another’s burdens, and loving one another in a way that echoes Christ’s command to love your neighbor. It’s inspiring, though incomplete. Their strength comes from within themselves and each other, which is beautiful but lacks the transcendent reliance on God that Christians might hope to see in a story about confronting evil.
The Shape of Evil: Pennywise and Spiritual Parallels
Now, let’s talk about Pennywise. Bill Skarsgård’s performance is, frankly, nightmare fuel, with a twisted charisma that makes the clown a walking, dancing embodiment of dread. But the character is more than a monster; he’s a manifestation of fear itself. In the town of Derry, Pennywise thrives on apathy and denial. Adults look the other way while children disappear, and the evil beneath the surface grows stronger.
For Christians, this hits a little too close to home. Evil, like Pennywise, doesn’t need grand invitations; it thrives in silence, in the moments when we choose not to act. The Bible is clear that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of darkness. Pennywise may not explicitly reference demons or the devil, but the parallels are hard to miss. He’s a predator feeding on vulnerability and fear, a chilling reminder that the devil prowls like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Not Just a Horror Movie
What sets It apart from many other films in the genre is its emotional weight. The horror isn’t just in the supernatural scares; it’s in the real-life struggles these kids face. Beverly’s story, for example, is heart-wrenching. Her father’s abuse is portrayed with a rawness that makes Pennywise almost pale in comparison. Then there’s Eddie, whose mother’s suffocating overprotection is its own kind of prison. And let’s not forget Bill, grappling with the loss of his younger brother and the guilt that comes with it.
These subplots are where It becomes more than just a story about an evil clown. It’s a reflection of how the scars of childhood linger and how confronting those scars is as important as defeating any external enemy. Christians watching this might find echoes of biblical themes—how sin and brokenness corrupt not just individuals but entire communities, and how healing often requires confronting those dark places head-on.
The Content Question: Should Christians Watch It?
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. It is not for everyone. Let’s get that out of the way. The movie is dark, not just in tone but in content. It features intense violence, graphic imagery, and mature themes that are, at times, deeply uncomfortable. This isn’t the kind of film you throw on for a family movie night, nor is it one you watch without some measure of discernment.
But for those who can handle it, It offers something rare: a horror movie with heart. It doesn’t glorify the darkness it portrays. Instead, it uses that darkness to highlight the resilience of the human spirit. Still, the movie stops short of pointing to any kind of ultimate hope. For Christians, that’s where the story feels incomplete. We know that true victory over fear and evil doesn’t come from within us but from God. It doesn’t go there, but maybe that’s a conversation starter rather than a deal-breaker.
Craftsmanship and Character
On a technical level, It is masterful. The cinematography captures the eerie beauty of Derry, a town that feels trapped in time, its sunny streets hiding shadowy secrets. The performances are uniformly excellent, especially from the young cast. They bring a vulnerability and authenticity that make you care about these characters, even as you watch them face unspeakable horrors.
And then there’s the faithfulness to Stephen King’s original novel. While some details are streamlined or altered, the spirit of the book is alive and well. This is a movie that understands its source material, not just in terms of plot but in tone and theme. It’s a love letter to King’s storytelling, even if it doesn’t quite capture the spiritual undertones that some fans might wish for.
What’s Missing?
If there’s a criticism to be made from a Christian perspective, it’s that It doesn’t offer much in the way of redemption. The kids survive, yes, but the scars remain. The town of Derry doesn’t change. Evil is defeated, for now, but it’s not eradicated. There’s no sense of ultimate justice or hope, no higher power stepping in to set things right.
For Christians, this might feel like a missed opportunity. The Bible tells us that perfect love casts out fear, that evil is defeated not by our strength but by God’s. It doesn’t go there, and while it’s not obligated to, the absence of that deeper hope is keenly felt.
Final Thoughts
It is a movie that will stick with you, for better or worse. It’s a brilliant piece of filmmaking, a haunting exploration of fear, and a poignant coming-of-age story all rolled into one. But it’s also a heavy watch, one that requires discernment and a willingness to engage with its darker themes.
For Christian viewers, It is a mixed bag. There’s a lot to appreciate—the themes of friendship and courage, the critique of societal apathy, the emotional depth—but there are also elements that may give pause. The movie’s focus on human resilience is inspiring, but it leaves out the divine grace that Christians know is essential in overcoming evil.
Rating: 7.5/10
This isn’t just a movie; it’s an experience. One that might leave you pondering not just what scares you but how you face those fears. For some, that’s worth the price of admission. For others, it’s a journey best left unexplored. Either way, It demands to be reckoned with.
