Stephen King’s story of It became popular in the ’90s with a TV series. Then, in the late 2010s, director Andy Muschietti brought the story back to life. The first movie, It Chapter One, came out in 2017 and was just the beginning of a long adaptation of the book.
The film quickly grabbed the attention of devoted King fans and casual moviegoers, who wondered who would play the older versions of the Losers. After some smart casting choices, the cast was finalized, and the stage was set for the final battle against Pennywise.
It Chapter Two followed quickly in 2019. The movie received mixed reviews, but it managed to mix reunions, trauma, and fear in this second part of the Losers’ story. Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise takes many forms in the finale, but the heroes come together to defeat It and win in the end.
The Losers Come Back Together After 27 Years in ‘It Chapter Two’
It has been 27 years since the Losers were last seen in It Chapter One. Most of them are now in their early 40s, living imperfect lives, and their memories of Derry are mostly faded or forgotten. Bev (Jessica Chastain) is doing well as a fashion designer, but her marriage is abusive.
Bill (James McAvoy) is a published writer focused on mysteries, yet he feels stuck. Eddie (James Ransone) works as a risk analyst but struggles with anxiety and health fears from his close relationship with his mother.
Ben (Jay Ryan) runs his own architecture firm but leads a lonely life, with no one to share his achievements. Richie (Bill Hader) is a stand-up comedian who has not accepted his sexuality. However, Stan (Andy Bean) and Mike (Isaiah Mustafa) have the most heartbreaking stories.
Stan never fully recovers from his childhood horrors, leading to his suicide at the start of the film. Mike cannot move on from Derry; he keeps track of disappearances in the town and waits for Pennywise to return. Mike is the one who gathers everyone to go back to the town where they will finally confront their fears.
Pennywise is Defeated at Last in ‘It Chapter Two’
Mike’s research shows that Pennywise is an alien being that came to Earth through a meteor. For centuries, it has been tormenting humans by taking the shape of their deepest fears. Mike also learns that Pennywise can be defeated using the Native American “Ritual of Chüd.”
This ritual requires them to collect meaningful objects from their past. For example, Bill finds Georgie’s (Jackson Robert Scott) paper boat, and Mike gets a rock from their fight with Henry Bowers (Nicholas Hamilton) and his gang. These objects represent the pain Derry and Pennywise have caused them. This quest is not just about the items but also about facing their deepest fears.
As they gather these objects, the Losers must confront their shared trauma when they enter Pennywise’s lair. Armed with the knowledge to defeat Pennywise, they face It. However, Mike did not mention that the ritual had failed before. If they succeed now, it will be the first time.
Pennywise uses illusions to separate the Losers. Although they survive, Eddie ultimately dies at the hands of Pennywise. His sacrifice ignites the Losers’ anger and confidence.
They weaken Pennywise by repeatedly saying they are no longer afraid of him. As Pennywise shrinks, Mike tears out his heart, and together they crush it, causing It to fade away for good.
‘It Chapter Two’ Allows the Losers to Move Forward From Derry
The Losers leave Pennywise’s lair victorious. They take a moment to mourn Eddie before celebrating Pennywise’s defeat. As they walk through Derry, the five remaining Losers see reflections of their younger selves. This moment recalls the first film’s ending and allows the audience to say goodbye to the original cast who started this journey.
At the end of the film, Bill seems to have a new idea for his next book, which will tell their story from Eddie’s point of view. While talking to Mike on the phone, Mike says he finally feels free to leave Derry, looking forward to a fresh start.
Bev breaks the cycle and begins a caring relationship with Ben, finally acknowledging that he wrote her a love letter years ago. Richie accepts his true self and returns to the bridge where he and Eddie carved their initials. The burden on the Losers is finally lifted.
Stan writes a letter for each of them, explaining how he sacrificed himself so they could unite to fight It and survive. His final wish is for them to promise to always be honest and present for each other. No matter how successful they become, they will always be Losers at heart, making them fearless because they have nothing left to lose.
While this second movie may not have been as fulfilling as It Chapter One, Muschietti successfully adapts the entire complicated story. Even though It Chapter Two has its flaws, it provides a satisfying conclusion to the Losers’ saga.
In It Chapter Two, the Losers reunite 27 years after their childhood encounters with Pennywise. Now in their 40s, they confront their past traumas and fears while facing the terrifying clown once again. Mike discovers a way to defeat Pennywise using a Native American ritual. Despite the loss of Eddie, the group ultimately triumphs, allowing them to move forward with their lives, embracing their identities and the bonds they share.
