It Follows
It Follows
For 19-year-old Jay, autumn should be about school, boys, and weekends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she is plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, or 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.
Spoons reviewedOctober 9, 2024
It Follows is a chilling and deeply unsettling horror film that lingers long after the credits roll. The story follows Jay (Maika Monroe), a young woman whose life spirals into paranoia after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter leaves her cursed with a mysterious entity that relentlessly follows her. The only way to escape? Pass the curse to someone else—but even then, it’s never truly gone.
Maika Monroe delivers a standout performance as Jay, perfectly capturing the fear, vulnerability, and determination of someone grappling with an unimaginable horror. Her nuanced portrayal grounds the film’s surreal, dreamlike atmosphere, making Jay’s plight feel all too real.
Director David Robert Mitchell cleverly blurs the lines of time and reality with an uncanny 80s aesthetic mixed with modern elements. The characters use smart devices, yet they drive classic cars and live in neighborhoods reminiscent of a bygone era. This disjointed sense of time adds to the film’s otherworldly, unsettling tone, keeping viewers constantly off-balance.
The relentless “follower” itself is a masterclass in horror simplicity, taking on ordinary yet eerie human forms that make its presence all the more disturbing. The slow, inevitable nature of its approach creates an almost unbearable tension, heightened by the pulsating, retro synth score from Disasterpeace.
With its unique premise, stellar lead performance, and ability to keep you on edge long after it’s over, It Follows is a modern horror masterpiece. Fans of atmospheric, psychological horror like The Babadook, Hereditary, or The Ring will find this an unforgettable experience. A must-watch.