It Follows

It Follows is an innovative horror film directed by David Robert Mitchell, released in 2014 and featuring notable performances from Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, and Olivia Luccardi. This refreshing entry in the horror genre stands as an artistic interpretation of pure fear itself, while redefining the traditional narratives typically associated with the genre.

It Follows introduces us to its captivating lead character, Jay, portrayed by Maika Monroe. A 19-year-old college student, Jay leads an ordinary suburban life, until she becomes ensnared in an ancient curse after a seemingly innocuous romantic encounter. Post this unnerving incident, she finds herself pursued by a relentless, supernatural entity that manifests in various guises, and whose sole purpose is to track and destroy its cursed victim.

One of the remarkable aspects of It Follows is the ambiguity of its antagonist. This faceless horror adopts the guise of familiar people and strangers alike, creating a sense of omnipresent danger that pervades the film. The entity unfailingly pursues its victim at a leisurely pace, leading to a nail-biting, continuous sense of dread. Jay never knows when or where it will

next appear, fostering an atmosphere of pervasive unease.

Maika Monroe's portrayal of Jay is central to the film's effectiveness. She captures the turmoil and terror of a young woman facing an incomprehensible fate, anchoring the events with realism and emotional resonance. The supporting performances from Keir Gilchrist and Olivia Luccardi, along with the rest of the cast, also enhance the ambiance of the movie — lending additional layers to the propulsive, unsettling narrative.

It Follows also forges a distinct path in its exploration of deeper aspects, such as vulnerability and trust, swiftly wrapped in the pervading atmosphere of terror. It subtly nudges at the paranoia and anxieties intertwined with intimacy and relationships, providing a psychological depth to the storyline, a feature often missing in standard horror flicks.

Furthermore, the film elegantly toys with time and space, unfolding in a world that seems to be a mix of different eras — it’s neither particularly modern nor distinctly retro, but a realm that feels almost timeless. Settings and props feel vaguely out-of-date, coupled with a synth-heavy score that is reminiscent of horror movies from the 80s, further enhancing the eerie, dream-like aura of the story. Cinematically, the film weaves an evocative backdrop, the cinematography is hauntingly beautiful, with long, panning shots and carefully designed frames that create suspense while enhancing the overall aesthetic.

The masterful use of sound and music plays a vital role in crafting the movie’s suspenseful atmosphere. The electronic, pulse-pounding score by Disasterpeace (Richard Vreeland) lurks in the background, perfectly accentuating the on-screen horror and enhancing the sense of dread. The camera cleverly magnifies the tension by alternating between claustrophobic close-ups and wide-angle shots, leaving viewers guessing as they scan the peripheral margins for signs of the lurking danger.

It Follows has earned high praise for invigorating the horror genre with its original premise and execution. While it uses familiar horror tropes — the haunted protagonist, the unstoppable stalker, the disbelieving friends — it infuses these elements with fresh — and genuinely frightening — twists. In doing so, the film joins a select group of narrative-driven horror movies that pair true scares with thought-provoking themes.

Despite its supernatural premise, It Follows deals with very real feelings of dread, fear, and paranoia that come with the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The film is as much a contemplation of these subjects as it is a bone-chilling horror movie. It understands and respects the genre's traditions while adding unique aspects that move the genre forward in exciting ways.

It Follows is a heart-pounding exploration into primal fears, made all the more haunting by its atmospheric score, compelling performances, and unabating ambiance of terror. It is a must-watch for those seeking a high-quality, intelligent horror film that strikes right at the heart of human vulnerability. This movie's unsettling idea will linger with you, long after the credits have rolled.