It Follows (2014)

 Top quality, modern, B horror flick. These days the 1.2 million dollar budget of this film places it squarely in the realm of low budget, passion project, scary movies of old. Several of these earlier classics are seen on old CRT screens throughout, nodding toward this work's contribution to the substance of this vein.

Interesting play on the role of sex in a young person's life. The seemingly simple dynamics of this story's threat, highlights the many fears, complications, and real consequences of sex for young adults. Blowing passed the simple Friday the 13th scenarios of earlier creations in the genre. While, original sin does have a place here, but the questions raised by STDs, first kisses, childhood crushes, emotional stability (who should I have sex with who can handle the consequences when I'm not certain myself?), purity of desire in someone who's simple morals might not be able to handle the implications, despite the real caring and concern of that individual. Overall my sense is that the dynamic presented here is ultimately about mortality. The monster slowly stalks, bringing ultimate doom. Running away only brings a temporary respite.  The real solution always seems to be finding a new sexual partner. How does someone under this kind of stress find a way to make themselves a possible love interest of another? Let alone the implications that this act very well mean their end.

Ultimately, sex with another is still simply putting off the inevitable. Poems scattered throughout remind us of this fate that awaits us all. And humanity's only way passed this is to follow this compulsion, to keep on engaging and perpetuating itself, despite all of the questions and threats involved.

Despite the limited budget, the photography, sound, and music are all interesting if not profound. Clearly the filmmakers have seen a lot of horror and sci-fi, but also the likes of John Hughes and Terrence Malick. The music from the brilliant mind of Disasterpeace beautifully sets the time and the tone in tremendous fashion. Those who can appreciate the genre will probably value this movie the most, but I'd guess that most everyone can relate to the all too ubiquitous themes explored in this subtly deep feature.