1. Plot Summary

College-aged Jay (Maika Monroe) seems to be getting back to normal after dating her new boyfriend, Hugh. But after an intimate encounter, Jay is haunted by the chilling knowledge that a supernatural entity is now following her—relentlessly, at a walking pace, taking various human forms. With time running out and nowhere safe, she enlists her friends (Paul, Kelly, Yara, Greg) to decipher the curse and find a way to escape. Set in serene suburban and lakeside landscapes, the tension builds around the dread of being constantly watched.

2. Notable Elements

• Performance: Maika Monroe grounds the film with relatable vulnerability and quiet horror. Her portrayal keeps the fear personal and believable

• Cinematography & Sound: Mike Gioulakis’s use of long, slow tracking shots intensifies dread, while Disasterpeace’s synth-heavy score unnervingly complements the film’s tone

• Creature Design: The shifting entity—sometimes a stranger, sometimes someone familiar—injects paranoia and unpredictability into everyday scenes.

• Memorable Scene: When Jay is chased around a retro-style pool by an ever-close presence, it visually symbolizes how escape feels impossible.

• Creative Premise: Transforming casual sex into a deadly “chain-letter curse” is a brilliant subversion of horror‑sex clichés

3. Themes and Messages

It Follows explores the terror of intimacy and the inescapability of death. It metaphorically uses a sexual encounter to introduce a persistent, lethal burden—evoking real-world anxieties about consequences following sexual acts. Though not tied to any holiday, this dread echoes universal fears tied to rites of passage—where coming of age brings irreversible change.

4. Personal Impressions

Strengths:

• Originality and Style: The concept feels fresh in modern horror, with restraint and minimalism that conspire to unsettle long after the credits roll .

• Atmosphere: A constant looming presence replaces jump-scares—a psychological dread that simmers.

Weaknesses:

• Pacing: The film’s deliberate slowness may frustrate viewers expecting more action.

• Open-endedness: Some may find the ambiguous conclusion more frustrating than thought-provoking.

5. Audience Recommendations

✔ Recommended for:

• Fans of psychological, indie horror with a slow‑burn style (e.g., The Witch, Under the Skin).

• Viewers who appreciate thematic depth and lingering dread.

• Those drawn to 80s‑style horror atmospheres and minimal special effects.

🚫 Not ideal for:

• Viewers seeking traditional scares or gore.

• Audiences expecting conclusive resolutions and fast pacing.

6. Conclusion & Rating

It Follows marks itself as a modern horror classic—elegantly crafted, intensely atmospheric, and permanently haunting. Its unique premise, unforgettable tone, and haunting score ensure it stands apart from typical genre fare.

Final Verdict: If you’re in the mood for horror that lingers in your mind, this is a must-watch.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)