Yes, the movie 'It' (referring to the 2017 and 2019 film adaptations) is often considered appropriate for viewers aged 12 and up, despite its horror elements. It delivers a positive and uplifting message, making it suitable for this age group with parental discretion.
Understanding the Movie's Content
While "It" is a horror film, its suitability for a 12-year-old hinges on understanding its specific themes and portrayal of fright:
- Horror Elements: The film features jump scares, disturbing imagery, and depictions of violence. These elements are central to the horror genre but are presented within a narrative that emphasizes themes beyond just fright.
- Themes: Beyond the horror, the story explores significant themes like friendship, overcoming fear, standing up to bullies, and the emotional challenges of childhood. The underlying message is often cited as positive and empowering.
- Targeted Audience: The narrative, focusing on a group of pre-teens and teenagers, resonates with younger audiences who can connect with the characters' struggles and triumphs.
Key Considerations for Parents
Before allowing a 12-year-old to watch the 'It' movie, parents should consider the following:
- Individual Sensitivity: Every child reacts differently to frightening content. Some 12-year-olds may be unfazed, while others might find the imagery and suspense genuinely terrifying.
- Discussion: Watching the movie together or discussing its themes afterward can help a child process any scary scenes and understand the deeper messages.
- Preview: Parents might consider watching a preview or looking up detailed plot summaries and content warnings to gauge its appropriateness for their specific child.
Movie vs. Book: A Crucial Distinction
It is vital to distinguish between the 'It' movie adaptations and the original 'It' novel by Stephen King. The book is a vastly different experience and is generally not appropriate for a 12-year-old.
| Feature | 'It' Movie (2017/2019) | 'It' Novel by Stephen King |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Horror, violence, jump scares, coming-of-age themes. | Extreme violence, graphic sexual content, explicit language, complex adult psychological horror. |
| Themes | Friendship, bravery, overcoming fear, childhood trauma. | Deep psychological exploration of trauma, evil, societal decay, extensive adult narratives. |
| Length | Approximately 2.5 - 3 hours per film. | Over 1,100 pages, deeply detailed and immersive. |
| Suitability for 12-Year-Olds | Generally considered suitable with parental guidance due to positive underlying message. | Generally not recommended due to mature and explicit content. |
The original novel contains highly explicit scenes, including sexual violence and extremely graphic descriptions, which are either omitted or significantly toned down in the film adaptations. Therefore, while the movies might be suitable for some 12-year-olds, the book is intended for a much older, adult audience.
Ultimately, while the 'It' movie can be appropriate for many 12-year-olds given its underlying positive themes, parental discretion is always advised to ensure it aligns with a child's maturity and sensitivity.
