It Follows is not just a horror film, it is a haunting masterpiece that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. Whether that is because the film is truly scary or truly one of the weirdest pieces of film you will watch is yet to be known. With that being said, this film reinvents the horror genre with its unique premise. What sets It Follows apart is its depth and allegorical layers. While the entity itself serves as a tangible threat, it also functions as a representation of the inescapable nature of trauma. This film explores themes of sexuality, adolescence, and the passage of time which ultimately allows the viewer to contemplate the deeper implications of their own fears.
The cast delivers a solid performance, with Maika Monroe obviously anchoring the film with her portrayal of Jay. Rounding out the cast is Keir Gilchrist, Olivia Luccardi, Lili Sepe, and Daniel Zovatto, who all add an extra layer of depth to both their own roles and their peers' roles. The film is simultaneously visually striking and haunting as it plays on atmospheric horror. The cinematography is mostly characterized by wide shots and long takes looking into the distance to capture the sense of isolation and dread. The film is rich in visual symbolism and haunting imagery to invite multiple viewings (I have seen this film multiple times and have noticed something new every time). The audio and music in the film also evoke feelings of terror and dread as we never know what is lurking beyond the frame.
In conclusion, It Follows is a modern horror classic that transcends typical genre conventions to deliver a thought-provoking exploration of fear, desire, and mortality. With its inventive premise, atmospheric direction, and haunting performances, It Follows stands as a testament to film's ability to provoke an audience's feelings of fear and dread. I highly recommend this film to anyone who hasn't seen it before, though this must come with a warning to be prepared prior to your viewing of the film... it's not for the lighthearted.
The cast delivers a solid performance, with Maika Monroe obviously anchoring the film with her portrayal of Jay. Rounding out the cast is Keir Gilchrist, Olivia Luccardi, Lili Sepe, and Daniel Zovatto, who all add an extra layer of depth to both their own roles and their peers' roles. The film is simultaneously visually striking and haunting as it plays on atmospheric horror. The cinematography is mostly characterized by wide shots and long takes looking into the distance to capture the sense of isolation and dread. The film is rich in visual symbolism and haunting imagery to invite multiple viewings (I have seen this film multiple times and have noticed something new every time). The audio and music in the film also evoke feelings of terror and dread as we never know what is lurking beyond the frame.
In conclusion, It Follows is a modern horror classic that transcends typical genre conventions to deliver a thought-provoking exploration of fear, desire, and mortality. With its inventive premise, atmospheric direction, and haunting performances, It Follows stands as a testament to film's ability to provoke an audience's feelings of fear and dread. I highly recommend this film to anyone who hasn't seen it before, though this must come with a warning to be prepared prior to your viewing of the film... it's not for the lighthearted.