Series / Reviews
First Reviews Of 'IT: Welcome To Derry': Hit Or Miss?
'Welcome to Derry' divides critics with strong atmosphere, but a mixed execution.
Starting yesterday, a new horror series has begun streaming on HBO Max. The production takes viewers back to one of the most well-known and frightening places in the work of Stephen King. The series, titled Welcome to Derry, is a prequel to the successful IT films and explores the origins of the notorious clown Pennywise. But does the series deliver?
Set in 1962, the series delves into the dark history of the town of Derry, where fear and evil seem to be deeply embedded in the ground. According to Rotten Tomatoes[/url], the Tomatometer currently stands at 76%, based on 69 recorded reviews.
Kelly Lawler of USA Today describes Welcome to Derry as a carefully constructed series that "combines its terrifying moments with thoughtful reflections on race and Americana." The reviewer particularly praises the authentic 1960s atmosphere and how the story intertwines societal themes with supernatural horror.
Aramide Tinubu from Variety describes the series as "a masterfully woven and chilling tale about the origins of Pennywise." She notes that while the series is historically situated, the themes remain "horrifyingly relevant."
Justin Clark of Slant Magazine finds the return to King's cursed town "bumpy yet engrossing." He sees in Welcome to Derry a mix of strong moments and uneven storylines, but values the ambition with which the creators expand the universe of IT.
Ben Travers from IndieWire is more critical, writing that "a story primarily about filling in gaps isn't destined for longevity." He grades the series with a meager C- and calls the execution "sticky and unconvincing."
Nick Schager of The Daily Beast does not hold back, labeling Welcome to Derry "the worst Stephen King adaptation in years." According to him, the series lacks both tension and the emotional depth of the earlier films.
Set in 1962, the series delves into the dark history of the town of Derry, where fear and evil seem to be deeply embedded in the ground. According to Rotten Tomatoes[/url], the Tomatometer currently stands at 76%, based on 69 recorded reviews.
Racial Tensions And Americana
Kelly Lawler of USA Today describes Welcome to Derry as a carefully constructed series that "combines its terrifying moments with thoughtful reflections on race and Americana." The reviewer particularly praises the authentic 1960s atmosphere and how the story intertwines societal themes with supernatural horror.
Related news
Aramide Tinubu from Variety describes the series as "a masterfully woven and chilling tale about the origins of Pennywise." She notes that while the series is historically situated, the themes remain "horrifyingly relevant."
Scary, But Uneven
Justin Clark of Slant Magazine finds the return to King's cursed town "bumpy yet engrossing." He sees in Welcome to Derry a mix of strong moments and uneven storylines, but values the ambition with which the creators expand the universe of IT.
Ben Travers from IndieWire is more critical, writing that "a story primarily about filling in gaps isn't destined for longevity." He grades the series with a meager C- and calls the execution "sticky and unconvincing."
Sharp Criticism
Nick Schager of The Daily Beast does not hold back, labeling Welcome to Derry "the worst Stephen King adaptation in years." According to him, the series lacks both tension and the emotional depth of the earlier films.
