Is It woke?

No political or woke messaging whatsoever. Focuses entirely on story, characters, fun, or escapism.

Wokeness Analysis

It (2017) stands out as a prime example of pure horror escapism in an era increasingly saturated with forced progressive agendas. Directed by Andy Muschietti, this adaptation of Stephen King's novel focuses unapologetically on terrorizing children with Pennywise the shape-shifting clown, delivering relentless scares, jump moments, and a tight coming-of-age narrative without injecting contemporary social justice lectures. The Losers' Club features a naturally diverse group—reflecting small-town America in the late 1980s—with one Black member (Mike Hanlon), one Jewish character (Stan Uris), a girl (Beverly Marsh), and others defined by personal quirks like stuttering (Bill), asthma (Eddie), glasses and foul mouth (Richie), and overweight (Ben). This diversity feels organic, mirroring the book's ensemble and serving the story's theme of outcasts uniting against evil, not preaching inclusion or representation quotas. There are no heavy-handed monologues on racism, sexism, patriarchy, or identity politics; bullying stems from classic childhood cruelties like physical differences or social awkwardness, not systemic oppression. Isolated criticisms, such as one article questioning a scene's portrayal of female vulnerability as perpetuating patriarchy, highlight fringe progressive overreach rather than intentional messaging—the film subverts the book by empowering Beverly early, but this bolsters her heroism within the plot, not ideological sermonizing. Reviews across conservative and mainstream outlets praise its faithfulness to King's terror, nostalgia for 1980s aesthetics, and emphasis on friendship conquering fear, with no mentions of woke indoctrination overshadowing entertainment. Box office dominance and enduring popularity affirm audiences embraced it as fun, frightening spectacle, free from the activist drudgery plaguing modern Hollywood. In a cultural landscape weary of media shoving progressive morality down throats, It delivers unadulterated thrills, proving horror can thrive without compromising for modern sensibilities.

Plot

In the summer of 1989 in Derry, Maine, young Bill Denbrough searches for his missing brother Georgie, who fell victim to a terrifying clown in the sewers. Bill teams up with fellow misfits—the Losers' Club: hypochondriac Eddie, loudmouthed Richie, history nerd Ben, fearful Stan, tough Beverly, and watchful Mike. They discover Pennywise, an ancient shape-shifting entity that feeds on children's fears every 27 years, manifesting personal nightmares to lure victims. Facing brutal bullying from local thugs and their own traumas—like Bill's stutter from grief, Beverly's abusive home, or Eddie's overprotective mother—the group confronts Pennywise in abandoned sewers and derelict houses. Through courage, friendship, and Beverly's pivotal stand against her fear, they temporarily vanquish the monster, vowing to return as adults if it resurfaces. The film blends visceral gore, psychological dread, 1980s nostalgia, and heartfelt bonds in a R-rated horror triumph.