IT: Welcome to Derry – Episode 1 “The Pilot” Review

Pennywise returns to our screens with a brutal splash of blood and guts that's sure to make your jaw hit the floor like a Looney Tunes sketch.

The show opens with Matty (Miles Ekhardt) sneaking into a cinema, only to be caught and forced to make a desperate run for it and catching a ride out of Derry in a fleeting moment of triumph. "Great plan!" you might think. Unfortunately, that bliss is short-lived, followed by a shockingly graphic sequence that shies away from nothing and leaves a disturbed sense of dread lingering for what's to come.

We then shift into a Cold War subplot that initially feels out of place. However, as more unfolds, it begins to make sense within the broader narrative. We follow Leroy Hanlon (Jovan Adepo), who assumes command of a military squad after a recent transfer. The discriminatory undertones from some of his fellow soldiers are as uncomfortable as they are realistic, adding a genuine chill to Leroy's already uneasy surroundings. The tension is present, but not gripping enough yet it feels like a subplot added for the sake of depth rather than necessity, making it my least favourite part of the episode.

An ensemble of children is introduced as the central characters, though they're not immediately likeable. The dialogue is often wooden and choppy, with several eye-roll-inducing exchanges. However, Lilly Bainbridge (Clara Stack) stands out, delivering a compelling performance that keeps you invested in her storyline. The rest of the young cast, unfortunately, don't land as strongly, with performances that occasionally feel ropey and jarring - making me question whether I could sit through much more of their scenes.

That said, the horror in Welcome to Derry is where the show truly shines. The psychological torment these characters endure is brilliantly executed, and the foreshadowing while occasionally obvious still feels satisfying when the payoff hits. The show refuses to pull punches, presenting bold, nightmarish imagery that's as creative as it is disturbing. One particular scene stands out, directly referencing an infamous war criminal, which adds an additional layer of real-world horror to the mix.

No one is safe in Derry. There is no such thing as plot armour here. The final scene of this episode subverts expectations in every conceivable way - it's outrageously gory, hard to watch, and where the horror crescendos into sheer terror. It delivers a blow so hard you'll think Mike Tyson just clocked you in the jaw.

Bill Skarsgård's Pennywise doesn't make an appearance this episode, yet his presence looms large. His shadow haunts every frame, and his absence only intensifies the unease. Welcome to Derry leaves a chilling mark with its shocking twists, disturbing imagery, and unrelenting dread. It's a bold, bloody start to what promises to be one of the most horrifying shows of the year.

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Blake Reilly