EPISODE · Oct 3, 2025 · 37 MIN
EP. 40 The IT Franchise
from Burn After Watching · host Borderlnd
In this episode, we take a deep dive into Andy Muschietti’s two-part adaptation of Stephen King’s It, exploring both the chilling 2017 installment and its sprawling 2019 sequel. From Pennywise’s unsettling smile to the emotional bonds of the Losers’ Club, we break down how these films capture (and sometimes struggle to capture) King’s massive novel.We begin with It (2017), a story rooted in childhood fears, nostalgia, and the vulnerability of youth. The hosts explore how the film re-imagines Derry in the late ’80s, the chemistry of the young cast, and how Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise became an instant horror icon. We also reflect on how the movie blends coming-of-age drama with supernatural terror, creating one of the most commercially successful horror films ever.Moving to It Chapter Two (2019), the conversation shifts to how the same characters—now adults—struggle to face old traumas while reconnecting with their forgotten pasts. The hosts discuss the casting choices (James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, and others), the challenges of juggling timelines, and how comedy, horror, and drama often collide—sometimes beautifully, sometimes awkwardly. The ambitious runtime and heavy use of CGI are debated, alongside standout performances like Bill Hader’s Richie and the film’s haunting exploration of memory, friendship, and fear.
What this episode covers
In this episode, we take a deep dive into Andy Muschietti’s two-part adaptation of Stephen King’s It, exploring both the chilling 2017 installment and its sprawling 2019 sequel. From Pennywise’s unsettling smile to the emotional bonds of the Losers’ Club, we break down how these films capture (and sometimes struggle to capture) King’s massive novel.We begin with It (2017), a story rooted in childhood fears, nostalgia, and the vulnerability of youth. The hosts explore how the film re-imagines Derry in the late ’80s, the chemistry of the young cast, and how Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise became an instant horror icon. We also reflect on how the movie blends coming-of-age drama with supernatural terror, creating one of the most commercially successful horror films ever.Moving to It Chapter Two (2019), the conversation shifts to how the same characters—now adults—struggle to face old traumas while reconnecting with their forgotten pasts. The hosts discuss the casting choices (James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, and others), the challenges of juggling timelines, and how comedy, horror, and drama often collide—sometimes beautifully, sometimes awkwardly. The ambitious runtime and heavy use of CGI are debated, alongside standout performances like Bill Hader’s Richie and the film’s haunting exploration of memory, friendship, and fear.
NOW PLAYING
EP. 40 The IT Franchise
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.