It Follows

About 'It Follows'

'It Follows' is a 2015 American supernatural psychological horror film written and directed by David Robert Mitchell. Providing an air of constant suspense, the viewers experience fear from the unseen. The movie's plot revolves around a college student, Jay, who is pursued by a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter.

The movie opens with Jay going on a date with her new boyfriend, Hugh. Post their intimate encounter, Jay finds herself being incessantly followed by an entity that can look like anyone but moves slowly and continually towards her until either it gets her, or she passes on the curse through sexual contact with someone else. Emphasizing on constant fear, 'It Follows' creates a claustrophobic fear from the unknown.

Making / Production

The movie was produced by Rebecca Green, Laura D. Smith, David Kaplan, and Erik Rommesmo. Filming took place in and around Detroit, Michigan, with wide shots to scale down the city and the characters in it, creating an atmosphere of menace. It was released by the Northern Lights Films and Animal Kingdom.

Actors

• Maika Monroe as Jay: Monroe plays the lead role, Jay, a college student who is haunted by a supernatural entity. She carries the role with a blend of vulnerability and strength.
• Keir Gilchrist as Paul: Gilchrist plays Paul, Jay's childhood friend who has feelings for her. He portrays the role with subtlety and depth.
• Daniel Zovatto as Greg: Zovatto plays Greg, their neighbor, embodying the character who does not believe in the entity until it's too late.
• Jake Weary as Hugh / Jeff: Weary plays Hugh / Jeff, who initially passes the curse onto Jay. He convincingly portrays the guilt-ridden character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was inspired by a recurring nightmare director David Robert Mitchell had in his youth, about a predator that continually stalked him.
• Although the movie takes place in Detroit, no specific time frame is given, which furthers the dreamlike, timeless nature of the plot.

Awards

'It Follows' won the Critic's Prize at the 2014 Deauville American Film Festival. It also secured nominations for Best International Independent Film at the British Independent Film Awards and Best Horror Film at the Empire Awards.

Quotes

• "It could look like someone you know or it could be a stranger in a crowd. Whatever helps it get close to you." - Hugh
• "It's gonna follow you. Somebody gave it to me, and I passed it to you." - Hugh

Music, Soundtrack

• The music for 'It Follows' was composed by electronic musician Disasterpeace (Richard Vreeland). The soundtrack contains 18 songs, mostly veering towards experimental synth, which keeps the audience on their toes.
• The soundtrack received serious acclaim and is considered a significant component of the film's success, contributing to the building tension throughout the movie.