It Follows Review

Please note: This review will NOT contain spoilers

This will be the first post of many in the "reboot" of this blog.

I felt that I really needed to review It Follows. I cannot explain how much I enjoyed this film. It Follows is a clear homage to the 70s and 80s films that utilise the fear of the unknown. The story follows Jay as she begins to regret sleeping with a mysterious new boy in her life. After a terrible ordeal Jay is informed that she will begin to be followed by something that changes form. What comes next is an hour or so of the most claustrophobic, slightly terrifying cinema I have seen in a long time.

The premise of the film is slightly ridiculous, a thing follows you after you sleep with someone and the only way to stop it is by sleeping with someone who will then begin to be followed by said thing. Despite this the film is fantastic. I do have an issue though, whilst it's not a major issue. The audience are never really told what time period the film takes place in. The feel, soundtrack and the costume design for the film would suggest that the film take place in the late 70s or 1980s. There are never any real hints but thIs a minor gripe for an otherwise great film.

Maika Monroe is incredible. I must admit part of the reason I went to see It Follows because I was such a fan of Monroe in The Guest. Her performance as Jay is the complete opposite as this time she plays the vulnerable victim as opposed to the strong headed cynic Anna Peterson that she played in The Guest. I look forward to seeing what comes next from this promising actress.

The style of the film, as I have said previously, harks back to the style that was popular in lower budget horror films. The tension in scenes was built by claustrophobic camera shots and essentially ominous tones that build to an almost deafening point rather than guts, gore and special effects. I love that fact that the only monster or antagonist in this film is someone that follows you. It taps into the fear that most people have; being followed, stalked for no reason other than you are makes you feel uneasy and scared. I have to admit that I felt uneasy and uncomfortable in parts.

Overall I really enjoyed It Follows. The idea is in theory something that is completely ridiculous and shouldn't be able to hold an audiences attention for more than 5 minute, however it really works. Although I felt uneasy and a little terrified in parts I cannot suggest this film to horror fans enough.

 

 

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