By Melissa Ann
It Follows is an independent horror movie that had a positive run at Cannes Film Festival, followed by limited theatrical release in March 2015. With only a couple lesser known titles under his belt, director David Robert Mitchell found commercial success with this one.
The movie starts with an upset teenage girl on the beach calling her parents to tell them goodbye. We don’t see what exactly happens next, but she ends up distorted and dead in the sand. I thought it was a great opening and it left me wondering what exactly the movie is going to be dealing with, especially since the entity is vaguely referred to as “It” in the title. The main story follows college student Jay (Maika Monroe) after an unfortunate sexual encounter with her date Hugh (Jake Weary). After hooking up, Hugh kidnaps Jay and takes her to a dilapidated building. He begins apologizing for choosing her and explains that she must sleep with someone to get rid of it. Still not understanding what exactly is happening, he points out a nude woman walking towards them in the woods below. He tells her that it can take any identity, walks at a slow pace but isn’t dumb, and will once again target him if it kills her. Apparently this thing will always be after someone and doesn’t stop. The demon does eventually kill on screen, so viewers see it in action. It made for an uncomfortable and gory scene that I enjoyed.
We never get answers regarding how or why the demon exists. There are several interpretations as to what exactly it is, including death, the spread of STDs, and how society views sex. Some may find that frustrating, but I enjoyed using my imagination a bit. It was unnerving to see a random person in the background staring directly at Jay while walking towards her, even if she never noticed. There is a sequel potentially in the works, so we will have to wait and see if explanations are given. Sure, I wouldn’t mind knowing a bit more, but I’m content if not.
The movie is filmed and set in Detroit, which makes everything feel gritty and raw. Another element that really works is the retro style. Even though I saw modern technology here and there, I kept thinking it was set in the 1980s. The acting, style and cinematography were well done and the plot was original. Unfortunately, this movie isn’t without its flaws. The first half of the movie was strong and unsettling, but the second half felt a bit lost. There was a pool scene that lasted entirely too long and I really didn’t understand some of the decisions made by the main characters. Even so, this was a fresh addition to the indie horror scene and I’m excited to see what David Robert Mitchell can do with a real budget. I will definitely check out his future horror projects.
Rating: 8/10
It’s an okay movie I thk it could of better but if thr going to make another one I’m down to see it I do hope it gose in to more detail of IT