In IT: Welcome to Derry, the latest episode titled “The Black Spot” evokes a disturbing yet poignant reminder of America’s brutal history. Through the lens of horror, this episode parallels one of the best horror films of 2025, Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler. While IT explores the pain of racism and violence in the fictional town of Derry, Sinners brings similar themes to life in a different setting. However, it’s not just the shared themes of hate and resistance that make these two works so compelling; it’s how each uses horror to showcase a dark chapter in history.
Key Features of IT: Welcome to Derry Episode 7
In this episode, viewers are confronted with an all-too-familiar scene from America’s past, where a Black community’s place of joy is destroyed by racist violence. The Black Spot in IT: Welcome to Derry serves as a sanctuary for the town’s Black residents, created by Dick Hallorann and his friends. It’s a safe space for music, laughter, and connection until the arrival of a violent white mob intent on destruction.
Overview Table: Key Features of “The Black Spot” Episode
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | The Black Spot, a club for Black residents of Derry |
| Inciting Incident | A white mob led by former police chief Bowers attacks the Black Spot |
| Main Conflict | Racist violence leads to the burning of the Black Spot, with tragic consequences |
| Horror Element | Pennywise’s appearance, adding a supernatural threat |
| Emotional Impact | The brutal firebombing and death of characters reflect America’s painful racial history |
The Tragic Story of the Black Spot
The Black Spot is not just a physical location in IT: Welcome to Derry, but a powerful symbol of hope for the town’s Black residents. Established by Dick Hallorann and his friends, the club provides a much-needed space to escape from the racism that dominates the town. By Episode 6, the club is thriving, with music and joy filling the air. However, in Episode 7, this joy is shattered by the arrival of a mob of white men, led by the town’s former police chief, Bowers.
As tensions escalate, the mob attacks, setting the Black Spot ablaze and killing many innocent people. The gut-wrenching scene where Rich dies protecting Marge is one of the most brutal moments of the episode. The imagery is unmistakably reminiscent of historical events in the U.S., where white supremacist groups targeted Black communities, burning churches, homes, and businesses in acts of terror.
The Parallels with Sinners (2025)
The theme of a Black community under attack by a hateful white force is central to both IT: Welcome to Derry and Sinners, the 2025 horror film by Ryan Coogler. In Sinners, set in 1932 Mississippi, the Smokestack Twins open a juke joint where Black residents can enjoy music and camaraderie without the oppressive gaze of white people. Much like the Black Spot, the juke joint becomes a place of joy for the Black community. However, the peace is soon shattered by vampires, which, while a supernatural threat, serve as an allegory for the white supremacist violence that the community faces.
In a tragic twist, after a vampire attack sets the juke joint on fire, the battle against evil continues with the appearance of the KKK. The parallels between the attack on the Black Spot and the juke joint fire in Sinners are striking, particularly the sense of survival in the face of overwhelming hatred.
Comparison Table: IT: Welcome to Derry vs. Sinners
| Feature | IT: Welcome to Derry | Sinners (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | The Black Spot, a Black-owned club | The Smokestack Twins’ juke joint |
| Attack | A racist mob burns down the Black Spot | Vampires attack the juke joint, leading to a KKK appearance |
| Survival | Rich dies protecting Marge; Pennywise appears | Smoke defeats the vampires but dies fighting the KKK |
| Horror Element | Supernatural threat in Pennywise | Vampires and supernatural forces |
| Emotional Impact | Heart-wrenching, showing real-world racism | Empowering but tragic, a fight for survival against evil |
Muschietti’s Take on the Parallels
Director Andy Muschietti has acknowledged the eerie similarities between the scenes in IT: Welcome to Derry and Coogler’s Sinners. Both narratives deal with a supernatural evil, whether it’s Pennywise or vampires, attacking a group of Black residents simply trying to live and enjoy their lives in peace. What truly ties the two stories together is their depiction of the perseverance of Black communities in the face of hatred and violence.
In an interview with Cinemablend, Muschietti shared his thoughts: “The Black Spot from IT: Welcome to Derry and the juke joint in Sinners definitely have some similarities, with the Black community finding joy while a hateful white force seeks to destroy it. The supernatural elements, whether it’s a shapeshifting alien clown or vampires, only amplify the real-world hate.”
The Role of Horror in Telling America’s Dark History
Both IT: Welcome to Derry and Sinners use horror to address the very real history of violence against Black communities in America. The use of supernatural elements makes these events even more visceral and frightening, amplifying the terror faced by Black individuals during a time when they had few rights and were subjected to constant violence. These stories don’t just explore fear in the traditional horror sense; they use fear to shine a light on historical injustices that are still felt today.
Why These Parallels Matter?
The juxtaposition of the supernatural and real-world racism in both IT: Welcome to Derry and Sinners forces audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s past. By showing the resilience of Black communities in the face of hatred, these stories give voice to those who have been marginalised and persecuted.
While IT brings forth a terrifying image of Pennywise, Sinners presents the horrifying image of vampires and the KKK. But in both cases, the real villain is the pervasive hatred and violence that these communities face, making these horror stories all the more impactful and meaningful.
FAQs
The Black Spot represents a safe space for Black residents of Derry, a place of joy and escape from the pervasive racism in the town. Its destruction in Episode 7 highlights the tragic consequences of racism and violence.
Both stories deal with Black communities facing violence from a hateful, white force. In Sinners, it’s vampires, while in IT: Welcome to Derry, it’s a racist mob. Both highlight the perseverance of Black people in the face of systemic hate.
Pennywise represents the darker, supernatural force that feeds on fear. His appearance in the burning of the Black Spot underscores the real-world terror and trauma that Black communities have historically faced.
Sinners blends supernatural horror with deep social commentary, addressing America’s racial history while providing a thrilling, action-packed narrative. Its poignant portrayal of Black resilience makes it a standout in the genre.
