By Colton Lee Thompson
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Jump scares have taken the modern horror film and turned most into garbage. It's an unpopular opinion that only I seem to have, but it's become such a generic formula compared to earlier horror films which had depth, toxic atmospheres and most importantly – characters that we can relate to.
'It Follows' happens to come along and freshen the air. It's a strong cup of coffee in the morning. A complete opposite of the modern day horror film, exactly what the genre needs right now. The atmosphere, the characters, the setting, the themes all crafted wonderfully by writer-director David Robert Mitchell in his second directorial effort, who has made the best damn American Horror film in years.
Maika Monroe plays Jay, a young college student who has begun dating a guy named Hugh. The two decide to have sex late one evening where Hugh drugs her saying that “It” has been passed along to her, and it will follow her until she is either killed or she passes it along to someone else through sexual intercourse.
Let's not forget the score. 'It Follows' has arguably one of the best horror soundtracks since John Carpenter's 'Halloween' theme. It is instantly recognizable and gives the air a bit of a chill. Suspense is a constant thanks to the music wonderfully done by Disasterpiece (Rich Vreeland).
What is great here is the overall themes presented in the film. Mitchell's characters are relatable in fear. Fear hangs over every character. The fear of intimacy. The fear of sexually transmitted diseases. The fear of growing up. The fear of “It” tracking you down, no matter where you are and no matter what you're doing. Never feeling safe and feeling that you can't trust anybody. These are all issues we deal with as human beings, and 'It Follows' brings these issues out in the open for all to see. Not only that, but the film isn't loaded with blood and guts. It has very few jump scares and the ones that do occur are earnest and well done.
If only more horror films could strive to do what 'It Follows' accomplishes. I left the theater unsure of what to think, only knowing that I hope to see more. 'It Follows' is a drug that pumps your system with adrenaline and makes it worth taking more than once.
An absolutely easy 5 out of 5.
