BROADEN YOUR HORROR HORIZON

HBO series IT: Welcome To Derry is a prequel to the most recent cinematic double-header

- TATAT BUNNAG

As a fan of Stephen King and his classic horror stories like It, and having watched only the first three episodes of the new series IT: Welcome To Derry, I can already say this latest HBO Max series feels more impressive and more authentically "King-like" than either of the two film versions. And I'll tell you why.

Set in 1962, the story begins when a couple and their young son move to Derry, Maine. Shortly after their arrival, a local boy disappears, and very bad things begin to happen around town. This review covers only the first three of the eight hour-long episodes, but they provide enough of a foundation for me to get a strong sense of the characters, the storytelling style and even where the show may be heading.

It's worth noting that this series uses King’s novel It as inspiration rather than a direct blueprint. According to HBO and show creators Andy and Barbara Muschietti, along with Jason Fuchs, the show expands the vision Andy established in his It films. So if you're a fan of those movies, you'll likely be able to slide into this world easily. And if you’re the kind of viewer who cares deeply about the novel's details, history and side tangents, the show does offer several Easter eggs for those paying attention, even if vaguely at times.