Welcome to Derry: The Return of Overused Visual Effects?
The HBO series “It: Welcome to Derry” has been a thrilling ride, but it seems to be repeating a familiar mistake from the movies. The show’s creative freedom has been a boon, drawing inspiration from various Stephen King novels and the original book, but the writing team’s lack of singular source material might be a double-edged sword. While the series has endless possibilities, it’s the overuse of visual effects (VFX) that’s causing a stir.
The criticism of the big-screen adaptations’ reliance on dodgy visual effects is a valid one, and “Welcome to Derry” seems to be following suit. The premiere and second episodes showcased some unconvincing digital recreations of Pennywise, from the mutant baby to the severed head in the pickle jar. Episode 3 takes it a step further, repeating the one major mistake from the movies: the overuse of VFX.
The show’s opening sequence, a horror masterpiece, initially glossed over the iffy computer-generated work. But as the series progresses, the pattern becomes clear. The episode-ending massacre in the movie theater and Ronnie Grogan’s traumatic nightmare both relied on cartoonish monsters, a clear sign of VFX overkill. The cemetery scene, a highlight, is ruined by Casper-like renderings, leaving viewers questioning the show’s commitment to horror basics.
Is this a failure of imagination or a creative choice? The design and staging of scares have been exceptional, but the VFX keep overshadowing them. The show must get back to the horror fundamentals to avoid becoming a victim of its own success.
However, all hope is not lost. The creative team has proven adept at clever spins on the property’s typical action. The chilling lamp scene, the grocery store scare, and Dick Hallorann’s vision showcase unique ways to manifest Pennywise as a cosmic tormentor. These sequences use classic horror tropes effectively, and the show’s high points indicate a way forward.
“It: Welcome to Derry” must find a balance between creative freedom and horror basics. By embracing a more traditional approach, the series can live up to the heights of the movies and keep viewers engaged. The question remains: can the show overcome its VFX reliance and deliver a consistent masterpiece?