“It Follows” (2014): Exploring the Fear of Sexual Maturity Through Horror
“It Follows” (2014): A Masterful Blend of Horror and Metaphor
“It Follows” is a horror film that was released in 2014 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most innovative and terrifying films of the genre in recent years. Directed by David Robert Mitchell and starring Maika Monroe, the film tells the story of a young woman named Jay who is pursued by a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. With its unique blend of horror and metaphor, “It Follows” has become a modern classic and a critical and commercial success.
The Plot:
The film opens with a teenage girl fleeing her house in terror. She is pursued by an unseen entity that ultimately catches up with her and kills her. The film then introduces us to Jay, a college student who is dating a boy named Hugh. After their first sexual encounter, Hugh drugs Jay and takes her to an abandoned building, where he explains to her that he has passed on a curse to her. The curse is an entity that will follow her relentlessly until it catches and kills her. The only way to get rid of the curse is to pass it on to someone else through sexual contact.
Jay initially thinks that Hugh is insane, but soon realizes that the entity is real and that it is following her. As she tries to evade the entity, she enlists the help of her friends, who are skeptical of her story. They soon discover that the entity can take on the appearance of anyone and can move at a slow but steady pace. The group must find a way to stop the entity before it catches up with Jay.
The Themes:
One of the most striking aspects of “It Follows” is the way in which it uses the horror genre to explore deeper themes. At its core, the film is a meditation on the fear of growing up and the anxiety that comes with sexual maturity. The entity that pursues Jay can be seen as a metaphor for the fear of sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, or the consequences of sexual activity. By using horror to explore these themes, “It Follows” becomes much more than a simple scare-fest.
The Performances:
The success of “It Follows” is due in large part to the excellent performances of its cast. Maika Monroe is outstanding as Jay, conveying both vulnerability and strength in equal measure. The supporting cast, including Keir Gilchrist and Olivia Luccardi, are also excellent, adding depth and nuance to their characters.
The Direction:
David Robert Mitchell’s direction is another key element in the success of “It Follows.” The film has a dreamlike quality that is both unsettling and mesmerizing. Mitchell’s use of long takes and wide shots creates a sense of unease, while his use of color and lighting adds to the film’s overall mood.
The Reception:
“It Follows” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, with many critics praising its originality and intelligence. The film grossed over $23 million at the box office, an impressive feat for a low-budget horror film.
Conclusion:
“It Follows” is a horror film that is much more than just a series of scares. With its exploration of deeper themes and its masterful direction, the film has become a modern classic of the genre. If you are a fan of horror films, “It Follows” is a must-see. And even if you are not a fan of the genre, the film’s unique blend of horror and metaphor is sure to leave a lasting impression.