A horror film widely hailed as a modern masterpiece, boasting an impressive 93 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes, is once again unsettling Netflix viewers—many of whom describe it as “the stuff of nightmares.”
It Follows, originally released in 2015 and added to Netflix last October, tells the story of a young woman who becomes relentlessly stalked by a mysterious supernatural entity that never stops walking toward her.
What sets the film apart is its deeply unsettling twist. Only the protagonist can see the entity. It can take the form of any person. And if she fails to pass the curse on to someone else through sexual intercourse, the being will eventually catch her—and kill her.
The film stars iconic scream queen Maika Monroe in the lead role. She has since cemented her status in the genre, most recently appearing in the 2024 serial killer horror Longlegs alongside Nicolas Cage.
Written and directed by David Robert Mitchell, It Follows quickly gained cult status following its release, earning widespread critical acclaim for its eerie atmosphere, slow-burning dread, and originality. In the years since, fans continue to rediscover the film through Netflix’s catalogue, frequently taking to Reddit to express renewed admiration for the deeply disturbing experience.
One fan, referencing the cult graphic novel Black Hole by Charles Burns—a series about an STI that causes grotesque physical changes in teenagers—wrote: “I loved it. It kind of reminds me of Black Hole, easily one of the greatest graphic novels ever made.”
Commenting on the familiar slasher trope where characters who have sex are often the first to die, the same user added: “It mixes sex with horror in a highly original and ingenious way. A modern classic in my opinion.”
Another viewer focused on the film’s oppressive mood, writing: “There was such a creepy tone throughout the movie. It really messes with your head.”
Someone else described how closely the story mirrored childhood fears: “I personally loved it because it felt like the nightmares I had as a kid. A shape-shifting entity that can look like someone you know, and there’s no stopping it. It just follows you everywhere. You’ll never outrun it.”
Critics echoed the praise. Streaming review site Decider called the film a “modern masterwork,” citing its meticulous direction and ambitious themes. Another critic warned: “Once you see It Follows, it will follow you forever.”
A separate review highlighted the film’s visual control, describing it as “a tonic to the wave of found-footage and shaky-cam horror films,” and comparing its carefully composed shots and slow tracking movement to the early work of legendary horror director John Carpenter.
Despite being made on a very small budget of under $2 million, It Follows became a major financial success, earning more than $20 million at the box office.
Nearly ten years after its release, the film’s legacy continues to grow. In October 2023, indie studio Neon confirmed that a sequel titled They Follow is officially in development. Both Maika Monroe and writer-director David Robert Mitchell are set to return, though specific production details remain limited.
Alongside It Follows, another critically acclaimed horror film has also resurfaced for viewers. Housebound, released in 2014 and holding a remarkable 95 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score, follows a young woman named Kylie, played by Morgan O’Reilley, who is placed under house arrest in her childhood home—only to suspect a sinister presence lurking inside.
Directed by Gerard Johnstone, who later went on to helm the 2023 hit M3gan, Housebound recently became available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. Over the years, the film has earned strong praise from fans, many of whom have dubbed it “pure cinematic gold” for its originality, humour, and unpredictability.
One reviewer wrote: “Such an underrated masterpiece. Housebound is easily in my top three favourite films of all time.”
It Follows is currently streaming on Netflix.