IT FOLLOWS (2014, dir by David Robert Mitchell, USA): The Pitfalls of growing up by Jared Watson

Youth is wasted on the young. A saying that a future critic might have heard a million times, and became sick of. This future critic may have been jealous of adults, their freedom, and the independence that they possess.

Adults should be grateful, and not long for a time when they were subject to the whims of their parents, incarcerated at home or in school.

Along with independence, this future critic sought knowledge. Not just knowledge of the physical world, but the meaning behind it. With this pursuit of knowledge, one might learn what it truly means to die. Everyone knows what death is. But do most people understand it? Up until the moment of comprehension, this future critic didn't think there was a piece of knowledge that they would regret learning. Yet, here they are, regretful as ever, yearning for the days of innocence.

Children emulate adults by taking part in acts that only adults should do. They might try a cigarette, learn the taste of alcohol, or sneak into an R rated movie. They might even partake in sexual acts, much like the character of Jay in It Follows (2014, dir by David Robert Mitchell, USA). Once you grow up however, you can never go back.

After losing her virginity, Jay finds herself being followed by an unstoppable force. It will not cease until It kills her. It is slow moving, allowing Jay to run as long as she can, but It will eventually catch up. No one can run forever.

If It is fear of that which one can not understand in The Witch, and Paranoia in It Comes At Night, then what is It in It Follows?

This critic puts forth that It is death itself, or at least, the fear of death. Once you learn that it's coming, you can never unlearn It. It will follow you forever, eventually taking you. There is no escape. You can postpone it, you can be vigilant, but eventually you're going to slip up, become a victim to someone else's mistake, or have pure luck gift you a disease or a disaster.

It Follows communicates this point perfectly with its atmosphere of dread. It encapsulates the feelings one might have while being stalked by an ever persistent force. This is especially evident in the very first scene, a single uninterrupted shot, about ten seconds short of two minutes. We see a woman in high heels trying to get away from something that we cannot see. The music builds with tension as we try to figure out what she's running from, before learning of her fate.

If there's one take away from watching It Follows, it's this, don't be too quick to grow up. Embrace your youth, because when it's gone, it's gone for good. A lesson even this critic can learn from.

Jared Watson is a moviemaker, writer, and avid cinefile. Check out his work: https://www.ridgeviewdrive.com/