This indie horror classic, first hitting screens in 2014, comes from the creative mind of writer and director David Robert Mitchell. It very quickly carved out a special place for itself among horror fans and critics alike. It's a movie that doesn't rely on flashy special effects or loud noises to scare you. Instead, it builds a slow, steady sense of dread, a feeling of inescapable doom that is, quite honestly, more terrifying than any sudden shock. It's a film that, in a way, gets right under your skin and just kind of lingers there, actually.

At its heart, the it follows movie tells the story of a curse, a rather unique and terrifying one, that passes from person to person through sexual encounters. It's a simple premise, yet it opens up a whole world of unsettling possibilities and a constant feeling of being pursued. We're going to take a closer look at what makes this film so effective, what it might all mean, and why it continues to be a favorite for many horror enthusiasts, even now, in 2024. You'll find out about the monster, its peculiar way of working, and what it means for Jay and her friends, pretty much.

• Ll Bean
• Bono

Table of Contents

• The Story: A Relentless Pursuit
• The Director and His Vision
• The Cast: Bringing the Terror to Life
• The Entity: Unveiling the Unseen
• Deeper Meanings and Interpretations
• Where to Watch It Follows Today
• The Future: A Sequel is Coming
• Frequently Asked Questions About It Follows

The Story: A Relentless Pursuit

The core narrative of the it follows movie centers on Jay Height, a carefree teenager, who experiences a seemingly innocent sexual encounter with her older boyfriend, Hugh. What starts as a typical date quickly turns into a nightmare, as she learns she's the latest recipient of a fatal curse. This curse, passed on through intimacy, brings with it an invisible, relentless entity that will pursue its victim until it catches them. It's a rather unsettling twist on a common trope, and it makes you think, doesn't it?

Once infected, Jay begins to see strange visions, and this unknown supernatural force starts to follow her. It's always walking, always coming closer, and it can take on the appearance of anyone, even people she knows or loves. This ability of the entity to impersonate others is, arguably, one of the most chilling aspects of the film. It means you can't trust anyone you see walking towards you, not really, which is pretty scary, in a way.

Desperate to escape its unending pursuit, Jay discovers the only way to get rid of the curse is to pass it on to someone else through another sexual encounter. This creates a very difficult moral dilemma for her and her friends, who try to help her. The film then becomes a tense, suspenseful chase, as Jay and her friends try to stay one step ahead of the slow, but absolutely determined, entity. It's a situation that, frankly, leaves you on the edge of your seat, more or less, wondering what will happen next.

• Llynch
• Super Bowl Lviii Scoreboard

The Director and His Vision

The it follows movie is the second feature from writer and director David Robert Mitchell, following his film "The Myth of the American Sleepover." Mitchell's approach to horror is quite distinctive, favoring atmosphere and psychological dread over cheap scares. He keeps viewers very much on edge by slowly building tension, using wide shots that force you to scan the background for anything out of place. This technique is, you know, incredibly effective at creating a feeling of unease, actually.

Mitchell's vision for the film was to create something that felt timeless, almost like a classic horror tale from an earlier era. He uses a distinct visual style, reminiscent of 1970s and 80s horror, with a somewhat dreamlike quality. This contributes to the film's ambiguities and inconsistencies, which are, in fact, deliberate choices by the director. He wants you to think about what you're seeing, rather than just be spoon-fed answers, which is pretty cool, honestly.

The film's smart, original concept, combined with Mitchell's masterful direction, is what makes it follows movie so terrifying and memorable. He manages to make something truly frightening out of a simple, relentless walk, and that's, like, a testament to his skill. The film works as well as it does because its creators keep viewers guessing and uncomfortable, which is, you know, exactly what good horror should do.

The Cast: Bringing the Terror to Life

The performances in the it follows movie are a huge part of why it feels so real and impactful. Maika Monroe, as Jay Height, delivers a truly compelling performance. She portrays the fear, desperation, and growing exhaustion of her character with such honesty that you can't help but feel for her. Her portrayal makes Jay's struggle against the unseen force very, very palpable, you know?

The supporting cast also does a great job of bringing the story to life. Keir Gilchrist plays Paul, Jay's long-time friend who has a clear affection for her and tries his best to protect her. Daniel Zovatto is Greg, another friend, and John Weary appears as Hugh, the initial carrier of the curse. The chemistry among the young cast members makes their bond believable, which, frankly, makes their shared ordeal feel even more impactful, as a matter of fact.

Even actors in smaller roles, like Bailey Spry, Carollette Phillips, and Loren Bass, contribute to the film's unsettling atmosphere, often appearing as the "It" entity itself. Their ability to switch from normal people to terrifying, silent pursuers is, in a way, quite chilling. The collective talent of the cast helps to ground the supernatural elements in a very human story of fear and survival, and that's, like, pretty important for a film like this.

The Entity: Unveiling the Unseen

One of the most talked-about aspects of the it follows movie is the nature of the entity itself. It's never fully explained, which, honestly, adds to its terror. We know it's a curse that follows its victims after sex, and it's always walking, always coming, but its origins or ultimate goals are left quite vague. This ambiguity, actually, forces the audience to fill in the blanks, making the fear more personal, you know?

The entity can take on the appearance of anyone, whether a stranger, a loved one, or even a deceased family member. This means the threat can come from any direction and wear any face, making it nearly impossible to truly escape or identify. It's a rather brilliant way to create constant paranoia, as Jay can never really relax, never feel truly safe. This aspect is, arguably, what makes the film so uniquely terrifying, more or less.

The way the monster works is simple yet horrifying: it walks, slowly but surely, towards its target. It doesn't run, it doesn't teleport, it just keeps moving, relentlessly. This slow, inevitable approach is, in a way, far more frightening than a creature that jumps out at you. It gives you time to think, to dread, to watch it approach, which is, like, pretty unsettling. The fact that it's invisible to everyone else except the cursed person and those who have also been cursed adds another layer of isolation and terror. So, it's a very clever kind of monster, really.

Deeper Meanings and Interpretations

The it follows movie is rich with symbolism, and many viewers have tried to make sense of its deeper meanings. Some see the entity as a metaphor for sexually transmitted infections, representing the fear and consequences that can follow intimacy. The curse being passed through sex, and its potentially fatal outcome, definitely aligns with this interpretation, you know?

Others view it as a commentary on the anxieties of young adulthood, particularly the loss of innocence and the sudden onset of adult responsibilities and fears. Jay's carefree life quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival, a pretty stark shift that many can relate to in some form. The relentless pursuit could also symbolize the inescapable nature of trauma or the lingering effects of past actions, which is, like, a very powerful idea.

The film's ambiguities and inconsistencies, as noted in "My text," are part of its charm. They encourage discussion and different interpretations, making it a movie that stays with you and makes you think. It doesn't offer easy answers, which is, frankly, part of its enduring appeal. The director's vision allows for a very open-ended understanding of what the entity means for Jay and her friends, and for us, the audience, too, as a matter of fact.

Where to Watch It Follows Today

If you're looking to experience the chilling dread of the it follows movie for yourself, you're in luck, as it's quite accessible these days. As of late 2023 and into 2024, you are, for example, able to watch it streaming on several popular platforms. This includes services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Crave, and AMC+. Some of these, like Netflix, also offer a standard version with ads, which is, like, pretty convenient for some people.

For those who prefer to rent or buy their movies, you can often find it follows movie available on platforms such as Fandango at Home. Moviefone also provides information on streaming options, rental services, and purchase links for this film. So, you have quite a few ways to immerse yourself in this movie's unique horror, whether you want to stream it with a subscription or just get it for a one-time viewing, you know?

It's always a good idea to check your preferred service, as availability can sometimes change. But generally speaking, this cult horror hit is pretty easy to find and watch at home right now. So, if you haven't seen it yet, or want to revisit its unsettling atmosphere, there are plenty of choices, which is, you know, really great for fans of the genre.

The Future: A Sequel is Coming

For fans of the it follows movie, there's some exciting news on the horizon. Maika Monroe, who plays Jay, is going back on the run, as the 2014 cult horror hit is getting a sequel. This upcoming film, titled "They Follow," is slated to begin production in 2024, which is, frankly, pretty soon. This development has generated quite a bit of buzz among horror enthusiasts, as a matter of fact.

A sequel to such a beloved and unique film always brings with it a mix of excitement and anticipation. People are naturally curious about how the story will continue and what new terrors the entity might bring. Will it expand on the lore of the curse? Will Jay find a permanent way to escape, or will the pursuit simply evolve? These are, you know, all questions that fans are eager to have answered, obviously.

The return of Maika Monroe is, arguably, a very positive sign, as her performance was so central to the original's success. It suggests a continuation of the tone and style that made the first it follows movie so effective. We'll have to wait and see what David Robert Mitchell has in store for us with "They Follow," but the prospect of revisiting this chilling world is, frankly, quite intriguing, wouldn't you say?

Frequently Asked Questions About It Follows

Here are some common questions people have about the it follows movie, as a matter of fact.

What does the monster in It Follows mean?

The entity in the it follows movie is, arguably, open to several interpretations. Many viewers see it as a symbol for sexually transmitted infections, representing the inescapable consequences of certain actions. Others believe it symbolizes the anxieties of young adulthood, the loss of innocence, or the lingering effects of trauma. The director, David Robert Mitchell, has kept its meaning deliberately vague, which allows for personal interpretation, you know?

Is It Follows a good horror movie?

The it follows movie is widely considered a very good, if not excellent, horror film by critics and audiences alike. It stands out for its unique premise, slow-burn tension, and psychological dread, rather than relying on jump scares. It's often praised for its smart, original concept and its ability to create a truly unsettling atmosphere that stays with viewers, which is, like, pretty effective for horror, honestly.

Is there going to be a sequel to It Follows?

Yes, there is indeed a sequel planned for the it follows movie. It's titled "They Follow," and it's slated to begin production in 2024. Maika Monroe, who played Jay in the original film, is expected to return for this new installment. This news has, frankly, generated a lot of excitement among fans of the first movie, as a matter of fact. You can learn more about horror movie sequels on our site, and perhaps even discover other chilling films that share a similar vibe.

For more detailed insights into the film's production and critical reception, you might find information on reputable movie review sites helpful. For example, a good place to start could be a well-known film database or a site that collects reviews from many different critics, like those that offer a comprehensive look at what makes films like this one tick. So, you know, there's plenty to explore about this film.