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David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows (2014) stands as a beacon of originality in the horror genre, offering a chilling twist on the familiar and a fresh take on the supernatural. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have a relentless, otherworldly stalker with an uncanny ability to blend into your daily life, this film is your ticket to a terrifying, thought-provoking ride. Brace yourself for a journey into the world of existential dread wrapped in a blanket of retro nostalgia and a sprinkle of dark humor.
Plot Overview: A Modern Horror Fable
The Premise: At the heart of It Follows is a simple yet profoundly unsettling premise. The film follows Jay (Maika Monroe), a teenager who finds herself haunted by a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. This entity takes on various forms, from familiar faces to complete strangers, and can only be seen by those who have been cursed. Once you’ve been marked, the entity follows you at a slow, deliberate pace, and it will stop at nothing to catch you.
The Conflict: As Jay grapples with her new reality, she and her friends must figure out how to escape this curse. The film’s tension is not just about evading the entity but also about the psychological impact of knowing that you can never truly escape it. The curse transforms into a metaphor for the anxiety and trauma that follows traumatic experiences, making the film’s horror all the more poignant.
Themes and Symbolism: Fear, Trauma, and the Inescapable
Fear of the Unknown: It Follows taps into our primal fear of the unknown. The entity’s relentless pursuit represents the anxiety of facing something you can’t fully understand or control. It’s a manifestation of our deepest fears—the things that lurk just out of sight, always approaching but never fully revealing themselves. The film’s use of this metaphor makes its horror feel both universal and deeply personal.
Trauma and Consequences: The film’s premise serves as a metaphor for the psychological impact of trauma. The curse isn’t just a supernatural punishment; it’s a tangible representation of how past actions can haunt us. Jay’s experience reflects the ways in which trauma can follow us, affecting our relationships and mental well-being. The film suggests that no matter how hard you try to escape your past, it will always find a way to catch up with you.
The Burden of Responsibility: The film also explores themes of responsibility and guilt. Jay’s curse is a direct consequence of her actions, highlighting the heavy weight of personal responsibility. The curse forces her to confront the consequences of her choices and consider the impact they have on those around her. This adds a layer of depth to the horror, making it not just a physical threat but a moral and emotional one.
The Cast: A Stellar Ensemble with Depth
Maika Monroe as Jay: Maika Monroe’s portrayal of Jay is both compelling and relatable. Monroe brings a sense of vulnerability and strength to her character, making Jay’s struggle with the curse both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Her performance captures the emotional complexity of dealing with an unrelenting threat while also grappling with personal guilt and fear.
Keir Gilchrist as Paul: Keir Gilchrist plays Paul, Jay’s friend who harbors his own feelings for her. Gilchrist’s performance adds a layer of emotional depth to the film, highlighting the complicated dynamics of friendship and unspoken affection. His character provides a sense of grounded support and humanity amidst the supernatural chaos.
Olivia Luccardi and Lili Sepe as Jay’s Friends: Olivia Luccardi and Lili Sepe deliver strong performances as Jay’s friends, contributing to the film’s emotional resonance. Their roles underscore the importance of support and solidarity in the face of overwhelming fear. Their interactions with Jay add a sense of realism and connection, making the supernatural elements feel even more unsettling.
Cinematic Craftsmanship: A Masterclass in Horror
Direction and Suspense: David Robert Mitchell’s direction is a masterclass in building tension and maintaining suspense. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the horror to unfold gradually and keeping the audience on edge. Mitchell’s use of long takes and minimalistic shots enhances the feeling of unease, creating a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll.
Cinematography and Aesthetics: The film’s cinematography, by Mike Gioulakis, is a visual treat that complements its eerie atmosphere. The retro-inspired visual style, with its grainy texture and muted color palette, adds to the film’s unsettling quality. The cinematography effectively captures the feeling of being watched and followed, heightening the sense of paranoia and fear.
Sound Design and Score: The sound design in It Follows plays a crucial role in amplifying the film’s terror. The haunting score by Rich Vreeland (also known as Disasterpeace) enhances the film’s eerie atmosphere, with its synth-driven, retro sound reminiscent of 80s horror films. The score, combined with subtle sound effects, creates a chilling backdrop that heightens the sense of dread and anticipation.
Humor and Humanity: Finding Light in the Darkness
Dark Humor: While It Follows is primarily a horror film, it contains moments of dark humor that provide a welcome contrast to its intense atmosphere. The interactions between Jay and her friends, as well as the occasional witty dialogue, offer brief respites from the film’s tension. This humor adds a layer of relatability to the characters and helps to balance the film’s more harrowing elements.
Relatable Characters: The film’s focus on the human element adds depth to its horror. Jay and her friends are portrayed with authenticity and nuance, making their experiences and reactions feel genuine. The film’s exploration of personal relationships and emotional struggles adds a layer of humanity to the supernatural threat, making the horror feel all the more impactful.
Legacy and Impact: A Modern Classic
It Follows has solidified its place as a modern classic in the horror genre. Its innovative approach to storytelling, combined with its chilling atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, has set a new standard for supernatural horror films. The film’s success has garnered praise from both critics and audiences, and it continues to be a touchstone for discussions about modern horror.
The Verdict: A Hauntingly Original Masterpiece
In conclusion, It Follows is a hauntingly original film that redefines modern horror with its chilling premise, thought-provoking themes, and masterful direction. David Robert Mitchell’s film is a testament to the power of creativity in the horror genre, offering a fresh and unsettling take on supernatural terror. With its exceptional performances, atmospheric sound design, and innovative storytelling, It Follows is a film that will leave you both terrified and deeply impressed.
So, if you’re ready for a horror film that combines existential dread with a dash of dark humor and a touch of retro flair, It Follows is the perfect choice. Just remember: if you see someone—or something—slowly approaching you, you might want to take a few extra precautions. It’s better to be safe than to have an otherworldly entity breathing down your neck!
