Critic Reviews

The cast’s emotional depth and depictions of fright and panic really elevate “It: Welcome to Derry.” .... When it’s all said and done, “It: Welcome to Derry” is a worthy prequel series that not only details the emergence of Pennywise, but also turns a lens on society to showcase how truly horrifying we can be as human beings.

"Derry" has a distinct point of view, aesthetic and rhythm to it that is very easy to get lost in.

Assured, atmospheric, and full of eerie, unnerving dread, the series doesn’t reinvent King’s world—it enriches it.

The first episode accomplishes its most important task of re-establishing Derry and Pennywise with style and some expertly-drawn out tension, though some of the more CG-heavy scares fall flat.

Welcome to Derry excels in juggling its numerous storylines (so far) and offers great showcases for actors Chris Chalk and Jovan Adepo, as well as its countless scene-stealing child stars. It’s unclear if the HBO show will be able stick its scary landing, but the first batch of episodes prove to be spine-chilling fun this spooky season.

King diehards will be impressed by how faithfully the show recreates IT’s atmosphere of fetid, rising dread. Even Derry Girls fans who have switched on in confusion might be convinced to stick around – at least until the geysers of gore get going and the body parts pile up.

“Derry” dribbles out character details episode-by-episode through five (of eight) episodes made available for review, routinely connecting seemingly disparate characters. That “Stand by Me”-meets-“Stranger Things” vibe of the first episode returns in episode three, thankfully, since it’s the show’s most potent element.

It’s ghoulish fun to see it all play out, but “Welcome to Derry’s” ambition sometimes outstrips its execution. The special effects can look corny and the story overloads us with too many characters. But each are given King-sized personalities.

Viewers looking for Stand by Me or even HBO’s King adaptation of The Outsider may be disappointed by the conventional plot and surface-level gestures at difficult topics like race in America, Native American erasure, and Cold War parallels, but those looking for invention, captivating characters, and flying two-headed newborns, IT: Welcome to Derry has a place for you to stay.

Whether or not "Welcome to Derry" over explains things remains to be seen. One thing is certain, though: the show is consistently bloody, with a mean streak that might catch some viewers off guard.