Review: It Follows (2015)

Directed by David Robert Mitchell

Starring: Maika Monroe

The film follows a teenage girl named Jay (Monroe), who is pursued by a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter.

For my first horror review of the month, you have chosen for me to watch "It Follows" After finally watching it, I have to say it was really good.

It has an original story that is all-together terrifying and does not overuse jump scares.

While the plot seemed strange, I felt it was smart and is up to interpretation on what "It" is. Some say it is Death inevitably coming for it's victims and the only way to temporarily escape it is by love and sex. Others such as myself, think "it" as symbolism to STDs such as HIV/AIDS. The theme of passing it on, is a question Jay asks herself. She got into danger with sex, now she has to get out of it by doing the same. I for one, is still left with questions that remain unanswered, such as the origins of "it".

The cast did a great job, the music was great by Disasterpeace, and the The idea of just being followed by an entity that no one can see other than you is terrifying (not to mention, it walks and does not run, which makes it even more terrifying). The eerie suspense is perfectly executed and the sequences are perfectly choreographed. The film doesn't feel at all overdone (unlike some films *cough* The Nun *cough*).

The movie has a Nicolas Winding Refn feel to it, with it's dark cinematography, music, and overall aesthetic. the aesthetic did remind me of some other works by famed horror directors such as John Carpenter with the use of wide tracking shots (similarly used in Carpenter's Halloween).

In conclusion, a very good, fresh, creepy, suspenseful, horror film that relies more on atmosphere and tension that it does jump-scares (which I despise if it is heavily overused). This alongside Hereditary and other horror films, have proven to me that smart original films still exist within modern horror. Definitely one of the best horror films I have seen, and further showcasing why indie companies can make better interesting horror movies than Hollywood can.

My rating: 8.5/10

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