The dread seeps in slowly, a creeping unease that settles under your skin long after the credits roll. It Follows isn't your typical jump-scare horror flick; it's a masterclass in atmosphere, dread, and the chilling reality of facing something relentless and inescapable. What makes this movie so effective is its commitment to a pervasive sense of dread, relying more on psychological terror than cheap thrills. It Follows stays with you, making you question every shadow and every stranger.
It Follows doesn't just aim for a quick fright; it delves into deeper themes of vulnerability, consequence, and the burden of trauma. The film's brilliance lies in its simplicity: a supernatural entity is passed on through sexual encounters, relentlessly pursuing its victims until they can pass it on to someone else. This premise allows the movie to explore complex ideas about responsibility, fear, and the ways we try to protect ourselves and the ones we love from unseen threats. The synth-heavy score adds to the unsettling atmosphere, creating a sense of impending doom that permeates every scene.
So, who is It Follows really for ? Anyone who appreciates horror that prioritizes atmosphere and psychological tension over gore and jump scares will find a lot to love. If you are seeking something that lingers in your mind, prompting reflection long after the screen fades to black, It Follows is a perfect fit. Viewers who enjoy films that are open to interpretation, sparking discussions about underlying themes and symbolism, will also be drawn to the movie's complex narrative.
Ultimately, It Follows Movie Review: The Chilling Reality of a Lingering Supernatural Curse stems from its ability to tap into primal fears and anxieties. The film’s unique premise, coupled with its unsettling atmosphere and strong performances, creates a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. It reminds us that some burdens, once taken on, are incredibly difficult to shake, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer’s psyche and solidifying its place as a modern horror classic. The dread is real, and it lingers.
The Premise: More Than Just a Monster
It Follows introduces us to Jay, a young woman who, after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, finds herself haunted by a malevolent entity. This “it” can take the form of anyone – a stranger, a friend, even a loved one – and slowly, relentlessly, walks toward its victim.
The Rules of Engagement: Understanding "It"
The genius of It Follows lies in the simplicity and ambiguity of its rules. "It" is slow, but persistent. It can only be seen by its target and those who have been "infected." And the only way to get rid of it is to pass it on through sexual contact. This creates a terrifying game of survival with no easy answers. The lack of explicit explanation regarding its origins adds to the film's unnerving quality, leaving the audience to fill in the blanks and grapple with the unknown. The vague nature of the curse amplifies the feeling of dread, because you never truly understand what you are up against.
The Visual Language of Fear
Director David Robert Mitchell masterfully uses long takes, wide shots, and an unnerving synth score to create a constant sense of unease. The camera lingers on the background, making you constantly scan for the approaching figure. This visual language of fear elevates It Follows beyond typical horror tropes and into a realm of genuine psychological terror. The use of suburban Detroit as a backdrop also adds to the film's unsettling realism, blurring the line between the mundane and the supernatural.
Why It Works: Beyond the Scares
It Follows is more than just a scary movie; it's a film that resonates on a deeper level. It explores themes of vulnerability, consequence, and the anxieties surrounding sex and relationships.
The Metaphorical Weight
Many critics and viewers have interpreted "It" as a metaphor for sexually transmitted diseases, the anxieties of adulthood, or the burden of trauma. The film's open-ended nature allows for multiple interpretations, making it a rich and thought-provoking experience. Regardless of your personal interpretation, the metaphorical weight of the entity adds a layer of depth to the film that elevates it beyond simple horror. It becomes a commentary on the fears and anxieties that plague us all.
The Power of Suggestion
It Follows doesn't rely on jump scares or gore to frighten its audience. Instead, it uses suggestion and atmosphere to create a sense of dread and paranoia. The slow, deliberate pacing allows the tension to build gradually, culminating in moments of intense unease. This reliance on psychological terror is what sets It Follows apart from many modern horror films and makes it a truly effective and unsettling experience. You are left constantly on edge, wondering when and where the entity will appear next.
The Performances: Grounding the Horror
The cast, led by Maika Monroe as Jay, delivers grounded and believable performances that help to anchor the film's supernatural elements. The characters feel like real people, making their fear and vulnerability all the more palpable. The supporting cast also shines, adding layers of depth and complexity to the film's emotional landscape. Their reactions to the unfolding events feel authentic, drawing the audience further into the world of the film and amplifying the sense of dread.
Comparisons: It Follows and Other Horror Films
It Follows draws inspiration from classic horror films like Halloween and The Ring , but it also carves out its own unique space in the genre.
Homages to Classic Horror
The film's synth score and John Carpenter-esque visuals pay homage to classic horror films of the 1970s and 1980s. However, It Follows is not simply a pastiche; it takes these elements and uses them to create something new and unsettling. The film acknowledges its influences while forging its own path, demonstrating a deep understanding of the horror genre and its ability to evolve.
Unique Elements
Unlike many horror films that rely on jump scares and gore, It Follows prioritizes atmosphere and psychological terror. The slow, deliberate pacing, the unsettling score, and the ambiguous nature of the entity all contribute to a sense of pervasive dread that lingers long after the credits roll. The film's unique premise and its exploration of deeper themes also set it apart from many contemporary horror films.
What Sets It Apart?
It Follows distinguishes itself through its unique blend of classic horror elements and modern sensibilities. The film's ambiguous themes, combined with its masterful use of atmosphere and tension, create a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. It's a film that stays with you, prompting reflection and discussion long after you've seen it. It Follows Movie Review: The Chilling Reality of a Lingering Supernatural Curse lies in its ability to tap into primal fears and anxieties while also offering a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary society.
FAQ: Unraveling the Mystery
Let's address some common questions about It Follows and its lasting impact.
What exactly is "It?"
That's the million-dollar question! The film never explicitly reveals the origin or nature of "It." Is it a demon? A manifestation of guilt? A metaphor for disease? The ambiguity is intentional, allowing viewers to project their own fears and anxieties onto the entity. The mystery surrounding "It" is a crucial element of the film's effectiveness, creating a sense of unease and uncertainty that permeates every scene.
How does the curse get passed on?
The curse is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Once infected, the person becomes the target of "It." The only way to get rid of the curse is to pass it on to someone else through sexual contact. This creates a moral dilemma for the characters, forcing them to confront the consequences of their actions and the potential harm they could inflict on others.
Is there a "right" way to interpret the movie?
Absolutely not! One of the great things about It Follows is its open-endedness. There are many valid interpretations of the film, and no single answer is "correct." Some see it as a metaphor for sexually transmitted diseases, while others interpret it as a commentary on the anxieties of adulthood or the burden of trauma. Ultimately, the meaning of the film is up to the individual viewer.
What are some similar movies to watch?
If you enjoyed It Follows , you might also like The Babadook , The Witch , Hereditary , and It Comes at Night . These films share a similar emphasis on atmosphere, psychological terror, and deeper thematic exploration. They also prioritize character development and emotional resonance over cheap thrills and jump scares.
Why is It Follows Movie Review: The Chilling Reality of a Lingering Supernatural Curse so effective?
The film's effectiveness stems from its ability to tap into primal fears and anxieties. The slow, deliberate pacing, the unsettling score, and the ambiguous nature of the entity all contribute to a sense of pervasive dread that lingers long after the credits roll. The film's exploration of deeper themes, such as vulnerability, consequence, and the anxieties surrounding sex and relationships, also adds to its resonance.
Conclusion: The Lingering Dread
It Follows is not just a horror movie; it's a cinematic experience that will stay with you long after the screen fades to black. Its masterful use of atmosphere, its exploration of deeper themes, and its commitment to psychological terror make it a truly unforgettable film. If you're looking for a horror movie that will challenge you, unsettle you, and leave you questioning every shadow, then It Follows is a must-see. The chilling reality presented in It Follows Movie Review: The Chilling Reality of a Lingering Supernatural Curse lies in the unsettling truth that some fears, once embraced, are incredibly difficult to shake. The film's lasting impact is a testament to its power and its ability to tap into the deepest recesses of our minds.