It Follows Movie Review
"It Follows" is a masterclass in tension-building and modern horror, encapsulating the dread of the unknown. Director David Robert Mitchell has curated a film that fearlessly tackles the themes of sexual consequences, loss of innocence, and the inevitable approach of mortality, all packaged within a sense of lingering unease. In the sea of contemporary horror films that rely on jump scares and graphic content, "It Follows" stands out as an enduring narrative grounded in metaphor and substance.
The protagonist, Jay, portrayed by Maika Monroe, is a tour-de-force of vulnerability and resilience. She becomes the unfortunate recipient of a curse that brings forth a relentless entity, and her transition from a carefree teenager to a cautious survivor is both believable and deeply affecting. Monroe's performance creates a character to root for, not just a placeholder for the audience's fear.
Keir Gilchrist, who plays Paul, provides the much-needed emotional support for Jay. His long-standing affection for her serves as a poignant subtext, adding layers to the tension that thickens as the story unfolds. His presence balances the unsettling aura that pervades every scene, and his chemistry with Monroe is both heartfelt and genuine.
The film’s cinematography is nothing short of stunning. The deliberate use of wide shots not only allows the audience to take in the environment but also amplifies the sense of vulnerability. You can't help but scan every corner of the screen for the impending doom that could come from any direction. Mitchell's choice of a suburban setting, often bathed in the fading light of dusk or the artificial neon glow of bedroom lamps, roots the film in an unsettling familiarity.
The score by Disasterpeace further elevates the film's pervasive dread. The electronic synth-heavy soundtrack, inspired by John Carpenter's classics, creates an auditory landscape as menacing as the entity itself. It's a perfect blend of retro and modern elements that gives the film its unique identity, making "It Follows" not just a movie but an experience.
It's worth mentioning how Mitchell manipulates common horror tropes. The entity, an ever-changing figure, sometimes familiar and sometimes not, is an embodiment of indiscriminate danger. Its slow, methodical pursuit is more than a gimmick; it's a storytelling device that lets the tension simmer, allowing us to marinate in the characters' increasing desperation and fear.
Overall, "It Follows" is a testament to what horror can achieve when it doesn't underestimate its audience. With its thematic depth, great performances, and meticulous production quality. It's a must-see, and just like its haunting entity, the impression it leaves will follow you long after you've left the theater.