[Film Review] Pennywise: The Story of IT (2022)

If you were a horror-curious kid in the ‘90s, then chances are one of the first things to terrify the living daylights out of you was the miniseries version of Stephen King’s IT (1990). This made-for-TV miniseries has become iconic in the 32 years since its release due in part to its easy access for audiences as it was repeatedly shown on television, and in part because of Tim Curry’s iconic performance as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. 

Pennywise: The Story of IT (2022) dives into the making of one of the most famous pieces of Stephen King-related media and why it’s even more well-loved today than it was when it was first released. 

The story starts right at the beginning, as writer Lawerence D. Cohen and director Tommy Lee Wallace discuss how the miniseries went from the page to the screen. Both Wallace and Cohen are very honest in the fact that the first part of the miniseries with the younger version of the Losers Club is the better performing segment, while the part that focuses on the adult’s story wasn’t quite as good as they wanted it to be. As this is a criticism which is often aimed at the miniseries, it was interesting to hear the reasons why the first part is the standout half of the story. 

It’s also amazing to see how many people who were involved in the production of the miniseries were part of the documentary, and it’s delightful to see everyone talking about IT with such passion and fondness. It’s particularly fantastic to see Tim Curry talking about his villainous turn, as well as all the behind-the-scenes footage of him literally clowning around on set and generally looking like he was having the time of his life. 

As well as sharing great stories about their time on set and working with fellow actors, many of the stars of IT provide great further insight into Stephen King’s work, the Losers, and how the fears that run through Derry are much deeper than the monsters that Pennywise chooses to turn into.

Perhaps one of the most interesting bits of Pennywise: The Story of IT deals with is the climax of the miniseries and the reveal of Pennywise’s true form, which turns out to be a giant spider. This is another point which typically comes up in conversation when people discuss what they don’t like about part two, but through the magic of behind-the-scenes footage and talking to the effects team involved, we get a sneak peek at the spider puppet’s full potential. It’s great to see what could have been had the miniseries not been constrained by the schedule and budget of a TV production rather than a full movie.

I would consider myself a massive IT geek, and so it was great to learn lots of new things and get an exclusive insight that we haven’t been offered before. At just over two hours, Pennywise: The Story of IT is extensive, but it never feels boring or long. It provides just the right amount of appreciation for this classic slice of horror television.

If IT is a part of your horror history, or simply holds a special place in your heart, Pennywise: The Story of IT is definitely worth checking out. And it’s amazing to see so many familiar faces speaking so fondly of a miniseries which means so much to me personally. You can tell there was nothing but love poured into both IT and Pennywise: The Story of IT, and this documentary could easily become as much of a comfort watch as the miniseries itself.

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