It Follows

Every once in a while there is a film that I see that I know I won't be forgetting soon, if ever.

Interestingly enough, every once in a while there is a horror movie that releases that is actually good.

It Follows represents a film that falls in both of those categories and also represents one of those very few times where I was completely blown away at the theater. I had pretty much no expectations going in, other than some whispers that it was amazing, and I left my theater, mere moments after writing this, both amazed and deeply disturbed.

The horror genre is not one of my favorites, which is very clear if you search the "horror" tag on the site. I find that for starters, I don't connect very much with the stories, nor do I seek the type of stressful enjoyment that the films provide (as opposed to the happy or exciting enjoyment from comedies or action films, respectively). It's also no secret that the horror genre puts out a LOT of trash, probably only second to the rom-com genre. Most horror films are cookie-cutters of one another, some demon or some ghost haunting a child or house and the family makes about every stupid decision imaginable. It's hard to feel fondness (or watch old classics for that matter) for a genre that rarely captivates.

So, I pretty much make it my mission to see a couple of the better reviewed horror films every year, while skipping out on the others, even if they are box office hits. It Follows had some stellar reviews so I thought I would check it out, having not even watched a trailer for it.

And I'm so glad I went in blind.

Astonishing framing throughout. Astonishing...and terrifying.

On paper, It Follows sounds really, really stupid. The basic premise is that Jay (Maika Monroe) has a sexual encounter with a new boy she met. Without giving too much away, she contracts what I would like to call an STD (Spiritually Transmitted Disease). The result of this disease, that is passed from person to person during sex, is that a body follows you relentlessly. The body changes forms, and walks rather slow, but it will always be following you, in an attempt to kill you, and then kill the person you had sex with, the person they had sex with, and so on down the line. Like I said, on paper it sounds terrible and I doubt I'll ever try to explain it in person that way, because it doesn't do the movie justice, at all. The idea is actually brilliant and boils down to a very refreshing take on the genre. There is no mythology to discover, no loopholes to try and exploit...just an ever changing creature walking towards you forever until it kills you. I actually really appreciated the plot and its simple rules, and despite the film meandering for a bit of its 100 minute run time, it ends on a very Inception-esque final frame. I really don't want to reveal more about the plot or anything else...I already felt like I've said too much.

"No I will not have sex with you!"

What sets It Follows apart from its counterparts is the quality all around. The cast is superb and I truly think that this was a star-in-the-making performance from Maika Monroe. The script is strong, given the source material, and the special effects, the few brief times they are used, are great for a film with such a small budget. But two things elevate this one way past good, even past great, into the "phenomenal" territory: the cinematography and the original score. Nearly every scene is designed and crafted with care and detail, and framed exquisitely. I'm a lover of good cinematography...it can really make a movie subconsciously more memorable than it would with dull camera choices, and It Follows is full of amazing frames. And the original score? Dear Lord! What an original score! Not just one of the best I've ever heard for a horror film, it's one of the best I've heard, EVER. It reminded me a lot of Drive's with a bit of Tron: Legacy. It's basically synthesizers and bass, crafted together for some really unique and equally disturbing beats.

I'm not sure where It Follows will land in my end of the year list...I'm don't know how I feel about having a film that so deeply disturbed me so high on my list, but that's a problem for many months away and many movies away and it certainly doesn't matter now.

What does matter is that you go see It Follows as soon as possible, especially if you are a fan of the horror genre. I can guarantee that it will amaze you, scare you, haunt you for at least a week, and provide you with the scariest walk back to your car from the theater you'll ever have.

CONS:

• I, for the life of me, couldn't figure out what decade era this story was taking place. Not a big deal at all, but it was a bit distracting
• The plot meanders for a while

PROS:

• The plot may be atrocious on paper, but its simplicity and lack of a mythology is refreshing to a genre that often likes to over complicate things and rip-off one another's ideas constantly. It Follows is a breath of horror fresh air
• A great cast and a star is possibly born in Maika Monroe
• Truly creepy, disturbing, and scary
• Amazing cinematography throughout. One gorgeous movie
• Short and sweet
• Great final frame
• An absolutely iconic original score and one of the best I've ever heard in a film
• It Follows will stick with you LONG after you've seen it. Both because you'll be creeped out and also impressed by just how well made it is

Rath's Review Score: 9.5/10