It Follows

R Feb 04, 2015 Horror · Perfect length for building slow-burn dread without overstaying its welcome.
Incomplete data available
6.6/10
IMDb
3.41/5
Letterboxd
🎬
6.6/10
TMDB
Rewatch
diminishing returns
Attention
full focus
Phone-check
low
Ages
holds up

The brief

It Follows turns a ridiculously simple premise into one of the most genuinely unsettling horror films in years, building dread through atmosphere rather than cheap scares. Mitchell creates this dreamy, synth-soaked suburban nightmare where danger moves at walking speed but never stops coming, making every wide shot feel loaded with menace. Maika Monroe anchors the whole thing with a performance that's equal parts vulnerable and determined, while the retro-futuristic score will burrow into your brain for weeks. Perfect for fans of The Babadook or anyone who misses when horror movies trusted you to be smart enough to fill in the blanks yourself.

suburban nightmare synth-soaked dread supernatural stalking sexual anxiety retro-futuristic walking pace terror dreamlike menace

The verdict

If you appreciate slow-burn horror that builds psychological dread through atmosphere and clever filmmaking rather than jump scares, this is an instant modern classic that will stay with you long after the credits roll. If you need constant action or prefer your horror loud and gory, you'll likely find the deliberate pacing and minimalist approach frustratingly boring.

Watch with

  • 👥 Horror fans who appreciate slow-burn atmosphere
  • 👫 Date night for couples who love being scared together
  • ⚠️ Skip if you need constant action or jump scares

Heads up

  • Sexual content and themes of sexual transmission (moderate)
  • Supernatural stalking and persistent threat (frequent)
  • Some violent scenes including character deaths (moderate)

Credits

Director
David Robert Mitchell
Cast
Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Daniel Zovatto, Jake Weary, Olivia Luccardi, Lili Sepe, Bailey Spry
Official synopsis

A young woman is followed by an unknown supernatural force after a sexual encounter.

The Double

Make a night of it
Poster for Perfect Blue

Pair this with Perfect Blue (1998)

Both explore psychological terror through relentless, inescapable supernatural pursuit.

Total runtime: 1h 41m + 1h 22m = 3h 3m

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