Why ‘It Follows’ Remains a Chilling Anti-Slasher Classic After 10 Years

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Back in 2014, I found myself utterly captivated by the chilling masterpiece known as “It Follows.” This film quickly became a sensation among horror enthusiasts and critics alike, earning widespread acclaim for its spine-tingling suspense and stunning visuals. Even after more than a decade, “It Follows” continues to resonate with audiences, who often find themselves divided and discerning in their tastes.

Director David Robert Mitchell demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the horror genre, skillfully weaving together familiar slasher tropes while simultaneously subverting them in a movie that thrives on suspense, atmosphere, and breathtaking cinematography. The film also offers a unique commentary on sexual promiscuity, a theme not seen since David Cronenberg’s “Shivers.” In essence, “It Follows” is a testament to the power of fear, the beauty of cinematic storytelling, and the enduring impact of thought-provoking themes.

It Follows” is a unique horror film that stands out in the modern era due to its focus on character development and subtle fear, rather than gore or sensational violence. Unlike traditional slasher films that often punish characters for promiscuity and drug use, “It Follows” explores the universal fear of disease and the consequences of youthful mistakes. With the recent global pandemic, this film seems more relevant today than it did when it was first released.

Teenage Promiscuity and the Dread of Disease

The connection between the horror genre and illness has been diverse. One frequent motif that numerous movies utilize is the “patient zero” concept, where the source of the infection or epidemic originates with a single individual who must be eliminated to prevent further spread. In the movie “It Follows”, the portrayal of disease is more realistic than in other films as it presents an infection that doesn’t discriminate and is transmitted from person to person after a sexual encounter. This can easily be seen as symbolic of any sexually transmitted diseases or HIV, where an individual’s sexual past is passed on from one person to another.

As a fan, I’d like to highlight how “It Follows” brilliantly departs from the moralistic themes of teenage transgression found in many slasher movies of yesteryears. Instead, it masterfully explores fear through the lens of a disease, utilizing a timeless horror motif. Movies like “Repulsion” and “The Haunting” are terrifying precisely because of what they leave to our imagination. In this film, the insidious nature of the affliction that pursues the main character, Jay (Maika Monroe), and others who have been tainted, materializes as enigmatic entities visible only to them, making everyone else oblivious to their plight.

In “It Follows,” the film creates an unsettling ambiguity where viewers are informed about the presence of these entities through the responses of secondary characters towards their attacks on Jay, but also directly shows them from Jay’s point of view. This dual perspective amplifies the suspense and fear in the movie, immersing the audience in the story and the chilling apprehension it brings.

Atmosphere, Tone, and Utilizing the Camera as a Storyteller

Some groundbreaking and imaginative storytellers have employed unconventional cinematography to emphasize their stories, with directors like Andrei Tarkovsky and Dario Argento crafting films where the camera plays a crucial role alongside the actors. The film “It Follows” effectively uses its camerawork to stand out among contemporary horror movies, notably distinguishing itself from the proliferation of found-footage attempts that gained popularity post the release of “The Blair Witch Project”.

As a movie reviewer, I found myself deeply immersed in the chilling narrative of “It Follows.” The director masterfully constructs an overwhelming sense of dread and tension throughout the film, primarily through the haunting appearances of the apparitions that relentlessly pursue the protagonist, Jay.

The cinematography in “It Follows” is a crucial element that heightens this feeling of fear. The use of lengthy unbroken pans and tracking shots effectively communicates the isolation and hopelessness that comes with being stalked. These techniques not only capture the far-off yet close proximity of the terrifying specter but also emphasize the relentless pursuit, making every moment tense and suspenseful.

In essence, the expertly crafted camerawork serves as a powerful tool in conveying Jay’s harrowing predicament to the audience, further enhancing the film’s dark and ominous atmosphere.

More Relatable Than Ever After More Than a Decade

For more than a decade now, the movie “It Follows” has left an indelible mark on American horror film history. Following a brief period of global pandemic-induced fear, this film seems remarkably relevant today. The themes that “It Follows” explores, such as contagion and rapid spread of disease, resonate strongly in our post-pandemic world. Unlike many slasher films, “It Follows” bucked the trend, and its impact continues to be significant even a decade later.

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2025-03-14 02:02