An Ode To The Golden Age Of Horror That Refuses To 'Follow' The Conventions Of 'Its' Genre
So, as it turns out, I guess I am not losing my faith in the horror genre. Thanks to the efforts of David Robert Mitchell, I now realize that a horror film can be void of cliches, have an interesting premise, and of course, be scary.
Story:
It Follows follows the story of a girl named Jay (Maika Monroe) who, after a strange sexual encounter, finds herself being followed by a supernatural force that won't stop coming after her, or her friends, until she dies.
Ups:
I'll start off with the direction by writer/director David Robert Mitchell. What was so fascinating was how, kind of like how The Babadook director Jennifer Kent takes the film's monster movie concept and uses it as a metaphor for grief and depression, Mitchell managed to take the film's concept and use it as a possible metaphor for STDs as this force follows the main character around like a virus. I also loved how he hardly uses any cliches. The protagonist, that is typically the virginal one in horror films, isn't virginal here. Plus, there aren't any real stereotypes like the jock, the cheerleader, the nerd, or the stoner, etc. The main characters are a small group that doesn't feel mismatched like most teens in a slasher film.
I also loved how, thanks to the amazing cinematography and synthethized score, the film is essentially a throwback to horror films from the late 70's and early 80's. Yet, unlike a lot of the horror films back then that dealt with teenagers getting picked off, there is hardly any gore in this. The horror is based around its idea and I love that. I also want to give a shoutout to the actors who do a splendid job. Maika Monroe is absolutely splendid as Jay and gives a rather dynamic performance as a girl who is spunky and carefree then slowly becomes a withdrawn victim trying to fight for her life. Here is hoping the future is bright for this young talent. All the other young actors, like Keir Gilchrist, Jake Weary, Lili Sepe, and Olivia Yaccardi, are all terrific as well.
Downs:
NIL.
Consensus:
Overall. It Follows is a nostalgic yet tense horror gem that serves as a metaphor for the dangers of human sexuality. Its direction is genius, the cinematography is beautiful, the performances from the cast are terrific, and the score is absolutely haunting.
Would I Recommend It?:
Absolutely. If you love horror movies, run to your nearest theater and go check it out. You will be in for a real treat.
Grade: A+
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