It Follows (2014)

_It Follows_ is a 2014 American psychological horror film that gained attention for its unique premise and unsettling atmosphere, becoming a notable work within the genre and sparking discussion about themes of sexuality and trauma. While not directly *about* Detroit, the film was notably shot in and around the city, utilizing its distinctive locations to create a sense of isolation and dread. The film's production contributed to a growing trend of filmmakers choosing Detroit as a backdrop for their projects, drawn to its visual aesthetic and affordability.

History

The film _It Follows_ was written and directed by David Robert Mitchell, released in 2014 after premiering at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. The film’s relatively low budget of $1.3 million contrasted sharply with its eventual box office success, earning over $23.3 million worldwide. This financial outcome helped solidify Mitchell’s position as a rising talent in the horror genre. The film’s production team included producers Rebecca Green, Laura D. Smith, David Robert Mitchell, David Kaplan, and Erik Rommesmo. Cinematography was handled by Mike Gioulakis, and the film was edited by Julio C. Perez IV.

The decision to film in Detroit was a key element in establishing the film’s unsettling tone. The city’s post-industrial landscape and often-empty streets provided a visual backdrop that enhanced the sense of vulnerability and isolation experienced by the protagonist, Jay Height, played by Maika Monroe. The film’s aesthetic deliberately evokes a sense of nostalgia, blending modern filmmaking techniques with visual cues reminiscent of 1980s horror films. This stylistic choice, combined with the Detroit locations, contributed to the film’s unique and memorable atmosphere.

Geography

The filming locations within and around Detroit were strategically chosen to amplify the film's themes of pursuit and inescapable dread. Specific locations are not extensively documented in the provided sources, but the film utilizes the city’s residential neighborhoods, schools, and public spaces to create a sense of everyday life disrupted by a supernatural threat. The use of seemingly ordinary locations heightens the horror, suggesting that the threat can appear anywhere, at any time.

The film’s visual style emphasizes long takes and carefully composed shots, often framing characters within the urban landscape. This technique draws attention to the environment, making it feel like an active participant in the narrative. The city’s architecture, characterized by a mix of decaying industrial structures and modest residential homes, contributes to the film’s overall sense of unease. The geography of Detroit, with its wide streets and relatively low population density in certain areas, also allows for a sense of open space that is paradoxically isolating.

Culture

_It Follows_ delves into themes of youthful sexuality and the anxieties surrounding it, framing the supernatural threat as a metaphor for the consequences of sexual encounters. The film explores the abrupt loss of innocence following an assault, presenting the “entity” as a manifestation of trauma and guilt. This interpretation adds a layer of psychological depth to the horror, moving beyond simple jump scares and exploring the emotional toll of the protagonist’s experience.

The film’s narrative centers on Jay Height, a teenager whose life is disrupted after a sexual encounter. The story unfolds during the summer, a time often associated with freedom and exploration, but in Jay’s case, it becomes a period of fear and relentless pursuit. The film’s portrayal of teenage life, while heightened by the supernatural elements, resonates with the anxieties and uncertainties of adolescence. It speaks to the vulnerability of young people and the challenges they face navigating relationships and sexuality. The film’s focus on a young woman as the central protagonist is also notable, offering a female perspective on the horror genre.

Attractions

While _It Follows_ doesn’t showcase specific Detroit attractions in a traditional tourist-guide sense, the film inadvertently highlights the city’s unique aesthetic and potential as a filming location. The very atmosphere of Detroit—its blend of urban decay and resilient communities—becomes a kind of “attraction” within the film. The film’s success has arguably contributed to increased interest in Detroit as a backdrop for other film and television productions.

The film’s impact extends beyond the realm of tourism, however. It has sparked conversations about the city’s image and its potential for revitalization. By showcasing Detroit’s distinctive character, _It Follows_ challenges conventional perceptions and offers a glimpse into a city undergoing transformation. While not a conventional “attraction,” the film’s association with Detroit has helped to raise the city’s profile and attract attention from filmmakers and audiences alike. The film's crew and cast spent time in the city during production, contributing to the local economy and experiencing Detroit's culture firsthand.

See Also

• Michigan Cinema – A historic movie palace in Ann Arbor, Michigan, often used for independent film screenings.
• Detroit Film Industry – An overview of the growing film production scene in Detroit.