It Follows is a horror movie about a shape-shifting entity that stalks teenagers, but it’s really about grief, guilt, and the weight of being watched. Directed by David Robert Mitchell, the film follows a young woman named Jay (Maika Monroe) who inherits a curse after her boyfriend, Hugh (Jake Busey), is killed. The creature follows her, and she can pass it off to anyone she sleeps with — but the cycle resets, and the monster always comes back.
The film doesn’t explain the rules fully. That’s the point. It Follows trusts the audience to sit with uncertainty, and the result is a tense, atmospheric picture that feels less like a slasher and more like a slow-burn nightmare.
Trailer, via RADiUS.
Jay’s Curse
Jay discovers the truth after Hugh dies. She learns that the entity can change form, and it moves silently through hallways and across lawns. It never runs — it simply walks toward you, and you can outrun it. The film’s central mystery is never fully resolved, but the ambiguity works in its favor.
Mitchell builds tension through sound design. The film’s score is minimal, and the monster is often heard before it’s seen. This creates a constant sense of dread, as characters hear footsteps or a low hum and don’t know if it’s the creature or something else. The film also uses long takes and static shots to make the space feel oppressive, trapping Jay and the other characters in their own homes.
The Supporting Cast
The ensemble around Jay is strong. Wyatt Russell plays Paul, Jay’s childhood friend who tries to help her. Olivia Luccardi plays Jess, Jay’s younger sister, who becomes a target. Bonnie Hunt plays Mrs. Holt, a neighbor who offers a strange warning. Each character adds texture to the story without overtaking it.
The film also leans on a group of friends who try to protect Jay. They’re funny, anxious, and occasionally cruel, and their reactions to the threat feel genuine. Mitchell doesn’t let the horror overwhelm the humanity, and that balance is what makes It Follows stick.
The Rules of the Game
The curse has a few established rules:
- It can change shape to look like anyone Jay knows.
- She can pass it off by sleeping with someone else.
- The cycle resets, so the monster always returns.
- The creature moves silently and always walks.
These rules are explained through dialogue, but the film rarely stops to lecture. Instead, it lets the consequences play out in real time. Jay spends the second half of the film trying to break the cycle, and the movie tracks her attempts with a relentless energy.
The Chase Through the Neighborhood
The film’s climax is a chase through a suburban neighborhood, and it’s one of the most effective sequences in modern horror. Mitchell stages the scene with a mix of wide shots and close-ups, and the editing keeps the pace tight. The monster is visible for most of the sequence, which makes the fear feel earned rather than cheap.
The ending is ambiguous, and that’s appropriate. It Follows isn’t interested in wrapping everything up neatly. Instead, it leaves the question of whether Jay escaped or was captured open-ended. This refusal to resolve the narrative is brave, and it pays off for viewers willing to accept the uncertainty.
The Visual Style
Mitchell’s direction is confident and distinctive. He uses long tracking shots to capture movement through empty corridors and streets, and he often shoots from low angles to make the world feel hostile. The color palette is muted, with blues and grays dominating the frame. This gives the film a cold, isolated feeling that suits its themes.
The performances are uniformly strong, but Maika Monroe carries the film. Her face registers fear, confusion, and determination in equal measure, and she makes Jay’s journey feel authentic. The film asks a lot of its lead, and Monroe delivers.
A Modern Classic
It Follows is a horror film that respects its audience. It doesn’t rely on jump scares or gore to get a reaction. Instead, it builds a slow, creeping dread that lingers long after the credits roll. The film is smart, stylish, and emotionally honest, and it stands alongside other recent horror successes like The Witch and Get Out.
The film’s themes are universal. Jay’s guilt over her past and her fear of being watched speak to anyone who has felt cursed by their own history. The monster is a stand-in for anxiety, grief, and the pressure to move on.
It Follows is a horror film that rewards patience. It doesn’t offer easy answers, but it offers a powerful experience. The film is currently available for streaming, and it remains a standout entry in the genre.
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