It Follows

For nineteen-year-old Jay, Autumn should be about school, boys and week-ends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she finds herself plagued by strange visions ... 

Director:

David Robert Mitchell

Writer:

David Robert Mitchell

Stars:

Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Olivia Luccardi |  

Storyline

For nineteen-year-old Jay, Autumn should be about school, boys and week-ends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she finds herself plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, something, is following her. Faced with this burden, Jay and her friends must find a way to escape the horrors that seem to be only a few steps behind.

User Reviews

I'm struggling to think of a horror that tops this. I am constantly looking for horrors that are to my taste but find that the majority of them fall short, especially those released in the past decade. Blood, gore and violence is not enough for me or I'd say most horror fans but directors seem to think otherwise. David Robert Mitchell, however, fully understands this in a film that has little to no gore and instead makes perfect use of slowly built tension. The only film that I can think of that comes close to this tension wise is The Shining and, although a completely different style, the scariest was perhaps REC but I think they may have just been surpassed. This isn't a big jumpy horror so those going to this expecting such will be disappointed. However, those looking to engage with a film that draws you in and holds the tension throughout will not be left disappointed.

One of the best aspects of this cinematic experience is the soundtrack by Disasterpiece; the artist known for his work on indie platform game "Fez". The soundtrack to this excellent horror builds tension throughout rarely releasing the listener. The music in collaboration with the creative cinematography makes this film as engrossing as possible. The dizzying spinning shots are some of the most tense and the time between showing the "Follower" in shots leaves the audience tensely waiting to see how close it has gotten. This was the most tense film I think I have ever seen. I loved the use of art-house aspects without ever going over the top and losing the run of itself. Disasterpiece's dark synth soundtrack is a masterpiece on its own and is thankfully being released, not that it could be listened to whilst relaxing. Disasterpiece did a fine job and I look forward to hearing more of his music like this if he decides to release more. After this, who knows, maybe he will become a highly sought after film score composer. I sure hope so anyway.

I was curious after having read reviews because the trailer seemed to show little more than a run-of-the-mill horror. I am very glad I decided to go and experience this to its fullest in a big cinema with surround sound. It was a wonderful experience leaving me in a state of bliss afterwards wanting to tell the world just how wonderful this film was.....so here I am.

I have seen my fair share of horrors and read a large number of horror novels but none have all too successfully scared or creeped me out other than the occasional jump which has no lasting appeal. This film, however, held me tense throughout and I loved the thrill ride. There are briefs moments where the tension breaks but these do not last long as the viewer knows all is not well just yet and the tension begins building once more. This film shows the power of cinema and the importance of soundtrack in collaboration with the cinematography. A big budget is not needed to create a great horror and this film displays that with ease.

The film owes a lot to horror films of the 70s and 80s but it far surpasses them. The synth soundtrack is a modern take on soundtracks of the 80s and John Carpenter style motifs. The tension built takes influence from The Shining. In saying this, It Follows is one of the most original horrors I have ever seen. It takes in so many influences and makes them its own.

I have probably gone on and on a bit too much about this film but, in my opinion, it was a masterpiece.