(SPOILERS) The 5 Most Shocking Moments from IT: CHAPTER TWO
IT: Chapter Two dominated this weekend’s box office, which should come as a surprise to no one anywhere! But now that the seemingly endless wait for the film’s release is over, and the saga launched by Andy Muschietti in 2017 is over, we can finally start unpacking what we’ve seen. For starters, let’s recap five of IT: Chapter Two’s most shocking moments.
Synopsis:
Defeated by members of the Losers’ Club, the evil clown Pennywise returns 27 years later to terrorize the town of Derry, Maine, once again. Now adults, the childhood friends have long since gone their separate ways. But when people start disappearing, Mike Hanlon calls the others home for one final stand. Damaged by scars from the past, the united Losers must conquer their deepest fears to destroy the shape-shifting Pennywise — now more powerful than ever.
The Death of Adrian Mellon
The first crime to herald Pennywise’s emergence for his most recent 27-year slumber is the murder of Adrian Mellon. Before the dancing clown can sink his teeth into him, Mellon brutally attacked by a group of bully’s for being gay. Though the scene was a crucial turning point in Stephen King’s novel, it was way too controversial for the made-for-TV IT from 1990. It’s a shocking crime the kicks of IT: Chapter Two with a gut punch.
Related Article: IT: CHAPTER TWO Director Says Hate Crime Scene Was Essential
The Return of Patrick Hockstetter
While I don’t think anyone thought we’d seen the last of Henry Bowers after he disappeared into the Derry sewers in 2017’s IT, I was certainly shocked (pleasantly so) to see Patrick Hockstetter in Chapter Two. His emergence as a decaying revenant from under Bowers’ bed was the film’s first jump-worthy moment, and I enjoyed his role as a ghost henchman. I know we’re not supposed to like Hockstetter (played by Owen Teague), but he was always was the coolest member of the Bowers gang!
Stephen King’s Cameo
Stephen King has a brilliant cameo in IT: Chapter Two, playing a shop owner who sells Bill Denbrough his childhood bike (Silver) back to him. Denbrough, played by James McAvoy, has grown-up to be a writer, and King’s character ribs him for not being able to write a good ending. You can’t help but feel like King is also razzing himself, as reviewers often criticize the bestselling author’s conclusions. King had some amusing cameos in films based on his works in the 1980s, but his appearance in IT: Chapter Two was unexpected, making it one of the film’s best surprises.
Related Article: IT: CHAPTER TWO Director Clarifies Stephen King’s Involvement in the Film
Richie’s Secret
Richie Tozier always seemed to relish giving Eddie Kaspbrak a hard time, ruthlessly teasing him for his numerous phobias. But it turns out there was always something tender behind his ribbing: Love. And we’re not just talking about friendship or brotherly love, we’re talking romantic/passionate love. It isn’t until Eddie’s valiant death that Tozier seems able to acknowledge the feelings to himself, and the scene of Bill Hader carving the characters’ initials into the Derry Bridge is a tear-jerker.
Related Article: Eddie and the Losers: Exclusive Interview with IT: CHAPTER TWO’s James Ransone
Pennywise’s True Form
Even those who loved and love 1990’s IT groan over the portrayal of Pennywise’s true form in the miniseries; looking like a giant plastic spider, it certainly felt anticlimactic after an otherwise epic saga. IT: Chapter Two director Andy Muschietti wasn’t about to make the same mistake, clearly spending major dollars on giving Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise a truly terrifying finally. While elements of the giant spider are incorporated into the design, we’re treated to a genuinely horrifying look at the interdimensional monster’s true form.
Have you seen IT: Chapter Two yet? What do you think was the film’s most shocking moment? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.
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