It Follows

In the realm of horror cinema, few films have managed to captivate audiences with the same eerie intensity as “It Follows.” Directed by David Robert Mitchell and released in 2014, this indie gem has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative take on the horror genre, offering a fresh perspective on the age-old theme of imminent danger. With its haunting atmosphere, enigmatic narrative, and thought-provoking subtext, “It Follows” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to evoke fear and intrigue in equal measure.

At its core, “It Follows” revolves around a simple yet terrifying premise: a supernatural entity relentlessly pursues its victims, manifesting in various forms to blend seamlessly into everyday life. The only way to evade its pursuit is to pass on the curse through sexual intercourse, thereby condemning another individual to its malevolent presence. This premise serves as a metaphor for the inescapable nature of mortality and the existential dread that accompanies the human condition.

What sets “It Follows” apart from traditional horror fare is its emphasis on atmosphere and mood over explicit gore and jump scares. From the opening moments of the film, Mitchell establishes a palpable sense of unease that permeates every frame, drawing viewers into a world where danger lurks around every corner. The suburban setting, with its quiet streets and dilapidated buildings, serves as the perfect backdrop for the film’s pervasive sense of dread, evoking a feeling of isolation and paranoia that lingers long after the credits roll.

Central to the film’s success is its haunting musical score, composed by Disasterpeace. Utilizing synthesizers and electronic instrumentation, the score adds an otherworldly dimension to the film’s atmosphere, heightening tension and accentuating moments of suspense. The repetitive motifs and pulsating rhythms mirror the relentless pursuit of the titular entity, reinforcing the sense of impending doom that hangs over the characters like a dark cloud.

However, what truly elevates “It Follows” beyond mere genre conventions is its thematic depth and subtextual richness. On the surface, the film can be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of casual sex, with the curse serving as a metaphor for sexually transmitted infections and the consequences of promiscuity. Indeed, the act of passing on the curse through sexual intercourse underscores the idea of personal responsibility and the ripple effects of one’s actions.

Yet, upon closer inspection, “It Follows” reveals itself to be a meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of mortality. The relentless pursuit of the entity mirrors the inescapable march of time, as it stalks its victims with a relentless determination reminiscent of the Grim Reaper himself. In this sense, the curse becomes a metaphor for the specter of death that haunts us all, reminding us of our own mortality and the fragility of life.

Furthermore, “It Follows” explores the intersection of adolescence and horror, tapping into the primal fears and anxieties that accompany the transition from childhood to adulthood. The film’s protagonist, Jay Height (played by Maika Monroe), represents the quintessential coming-of-age protagonist, grappling with the loss of innocence and the realization that the world is far more complex and perilous than she once believed. Her journey serves as a metaphor for the tumultuous process of growing up, as she navigates the treacherous waters of adolescence while confronting the existential threat posed by the entity.

Conclusion

In addition to its thematic depth, “It Follows” is also notable for its subversion of traditional horror tropes and conventions. Rather than relying on cheap jump scares or graphic violence, Mitchell opts for a more restrained approach, allowing tension to build gradually through atmospheric dread and psychological unease. The result is a film that gets under your skin and stays with you long after the credits roll, leaving you haunted by its unsettling imagery and thought-provoking themes.

Ultimately, “It Follows” is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, blending innovative storytelling with thematic depth and subtextual richness. By eschewing conventional scares in favor of mood and atmosphere, David Robert Mitchell crafts a truly haunting cinematic experience that resonates on both a visceral and intellectual level. Whether viewed as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sexual promiscuity or a meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of mortality, “It Follows” stands as a testament to the power of cinema to evoke fear, introspection, and profound existential dread.