The network's Recent Horror Series Takes Child Fear to Unprecedented Heights

The premiere of Welcome to Derry over the coming days takes viewers back to the early 1960s, as a new band of youngsters confronts an ancient, fear-consuming clown. Given that the first It narrative centered significantly around adolescents in danger, it's no shock that this series continues a comparable trajectory. But, Welcome to Derry escalates the frights to a greater degree than the latest movies, setting its harsh atmosphere faster than viewers might anticipate.

An Icy Beginning in a Doomed Town

The series starts on a wintry January night in the cursed town of Derry, Maine, taking place in 1962. After getting thrown out of a movie theater for sneaking in and declining to go back to his house to his abusive parents, a pre-teen youth (the young actor) clutches his soother for comfort while hitchhiking out of town. After he is finally offered a lift, the chilled boy agrees. Very soon, though, for him to understand the enormity of his error.

We will pause at this point to prevent spoiling any details from the installment. Suffice to state that Welcome to Derry wastes no time in demonstrating just how graphic and terrifying the series is set to be, especially regarding the violence experienced by children in the locale.

Throughout, the show's debut chapter demonstrates its creators aren't afraid to "go there," to the point that it likely should come with a content warning for those sensitive to violence involving children; it's really that gruesome.

An New Take to Horror

Showrunner Jason Fuchs has previously likened Pennywise to the predator from Jaws, a creature shown in brief looks that leads toward a major payoff. In Welcome to Derry, however, the emphasis moves toward additional shapeshifting terrors reminiscent of King's original novel. With the extended runtime and high-quality of an premium production, the show takes its time exploring these fears instead of hurrying to spotlight the clown, resulting in a creepier, more intense fright than the recent adaptations.

Is It For You?

Every audience member with the slightest familiarity of It ought to understand what they're in for when it involves brutality against children, but Welcome to Derry cranks the volume to the maximum when contrasted to the TV series and including the films. Considering this, it deserves a public service announcement if those versions are where one sets their limit. Nevertheless, It: Welcome to Derry is an superb show with a premiere installment that's a perfect watch for the Halloween time of year.

• Graphic violence involving minors
• Longer episode length for more profound fear building
• More shapeshifting monsters from the original novel
• Sets a darker atmosphere than previous versions