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It Follows (2015) movie poster

Characters & Themes

It Follows (2015) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2015 · 100 min · English
JustWatch #302 147
Directed by
David Robert Mitchell
Starring
Olivia Luccardi, Maika Monroe, Jake Weary, Bailey Spry, Daniel Zovatto, Keir Gilchrist

As autumn arrives, 19-year-old Jay finds her life irrevocably changed by a strange and terrifying curse. After a brief encounter, she becomes the target of an unseen entity, relentlessly pursuing her with chilling whispers and a palpable sense of dread. With the help of her friends, Jay desperately seeks to understand the origin of the curse and find a way to stop the persistent threat, struggling to survive the escalating danger that looms ever closer.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch It Follows (2015)

Where can you watch It Follows? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Peacock Premium, Peacock Premium Plus and Philo: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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4 main characters · contains spoilers

It Follows Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of It Follows (2015), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Jay Height (Maika Monroe)

    Jay is portrayed as a carefree university student whose life spirals into horror after an ill-fated encounter. As she navigates her new terrifying reality, Jay embodies resilience and determination to survive while grappling with guilt and the fear of endangering those she loves.

    • 👩‍🎓 Student
    • 💔 Survivor
    • 😨 Fear
  • Hugh / Jeff Redmond (Jake Weary)

    Hugh, later revealed to be Jeff, acts as the catalyst for Jay's horrifying ordeal. His initial charm transforms into betrayal as he introduces Jay to the curse, showcasing a complex blend of guilt and selfishness that complicates his character.

    • 😈 Betrayer
    • 👤 Mysterious
    • 🔒 Hidden
  • Kelly (Lili Sepe)

    Kelly, Jay's sister, serves as a source of support and anxiety as she observes Jay's declining mental state. While protective, she is also vulnerable, showing the impact of external threats on familial bonds and friendships.

    • 👩‍👧 Sister
    • 🤝 Supportive
    • 😟 Concerned
  • Paul (Keir Gilchrist)

    Paul represents loyalty and bravery as he tries to confront the entity's threat. His growing affection for Jay highlights the complexities of their friendship amid the horror, showcasing the human capacity to care even in dire circumstances.

    • 🧔 Loyal
    • ❤️ Brave
    • 😳 Friend

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:55

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Setting

Where and When Does It Follows Take Place?

The setting of It Follows (2015): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Contemporary

Set in modern times, the film reflects the anxieties and uncertainties faced by today's youth. Issues like the consequences of intimacy and the impact of technology on personal relationships are prevalent, bringing a relatable yet chilling background to Jay's experiences.

Location

Lake House, Beach

The story unfolds primarily at a secluded lake house, a tranquil spot away from the chaos of city life, ideal for a retreat. In juxtaposition, the beach serves as both a serene and haunting site, highlighted by tragic events, imbued with a sense of foreboding and loss.

  • 🏖️ Beach
  • 🏡 Lake House

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:55

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3 major themes

It Follows Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is It Follows (2015) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Paranoia

    The theme of paranoia runs deep throughout the film as Jay grapples with the looming threat of the unseen entity. The constant dread that someone or something is following her impacts her relationships and instills a sense of isolation. This fear of the unknown resonates with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by their circumstances.

  • Fear of Intimacy

    Fear of intimacy serves as a crucial theme, daring to explore how personal connections can turn dangerous. The film portrays how moments of vulnerability can lead to catastrophic consequences, emphasizing the fine line between love and fear when trust is breached.

  • Cycles of Violence

    The cyclical nature of violence is a profound theme as the curse transfers from one individual to another, perpetuating a cycle of fear and destruction. It illustrates the idea that actions have irreversible consequences, ultimately raising questions about responsibility and the burden of passing on trauma.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:55

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Character & theme questions

It Follows Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about It Follows (2015): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where does It Follows take place?

The film is primarily set at a secluded lake house, a tranquil retreat away from urban life. The beach serves as another key location, acting as both a serene and haunting site where tragic events unfold. These contrasting settings, one peaceful and isolated, the other open yet ominous, enhance the film's sense of dread.

  • setting
  • locations
  • lake house
  • beach
  • horror movie setting
Q2

What time period is It Follows set in?

It Follows is set in contemporary modern times, reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties faced by today's youth. The film grounds its supernatural horror in relatable issues like the consequences of intimacy and the impact of technology on personal relationships, creating a chillingly realistic backdrop.

  • time period
  • modern
  • contemporary
  • era
Q3

What is the main theme of It Follows?

Paranoia is a central theme, with Jay constantly aware that an unseen entity is pursuing her. This persistent dread affects her relationships and isolates her from others. The fear of the unknown permeates the entire film, resonating with anyone who has felt overwhelmed by circumstances beyond their control.

  • paranoia
  • fear
  • theme
  • psychological horror
Q4

What does the curse in It Follows represent thematically?

The curse represents the fear of intimacy and the idea that vulnerable personal connections can have dangerous consequences. It suggests that moments of closeness can lead to catastrophic outcomes, blurring the line between love and fear when trust is betrayed.

  • curse
  • intimacy
  • fear
  • theme
  • symbolism
Q5

What does the transmission of the curse symbolize in It Follows?

The curse transmission symbolizes the cyclical nature of violence and trauma. Each person who passes it on perpetuates a chain of fear and destruction, illustrating that actions have irreversible consequences. This raises questions about responsibility and the burden of passing trauma to others.

  • cycle
  • violence
  • trauma
  • transmission
  • consequence
Q6

Who is Jay in It Follows?

Jay is a 19-year-old university student whose life transforms into horror after an ill-fated encounter. She embodies resilience and determination to survive, while simultaneously grappling with guilt and fear of endangering those she loves. Her character represents vulnerability and the struggle to maintain agency against an inescapable threat.

  • Jay
  • main character
  • protagonist
  • survivor
Q7

Who is Hugh in It Follows and what is his role?

Hugh, later revealed as Jeff Redmond, acts as the catalyst for Jay's ordeal. He initially appears charming but ultimately betrays Jay by introducing her to the curse. His character displays a complex mix of guilt and selfishness, representing how someone can cause harm while also living with the consequences of their actions.

  • Hugh
  • Jeff
  • antagonist
  • villain
  • curse giver
Q8

What role does Paul play in It Follows?

Paul represents loyalty and bravery in the film, actively trying to confront the entity's threat. His growing affection for Jay highlights the complexity of human connection amid horror, showcasing the capacity for care and sacrifice even in dire circumstances.

  • Paul
  • friend
  • loyalty
  • support
  • character role
Q9

What does the ending of It Follows suggest about the threat?

The ending remains ambiguous, with the final shot showing a figure following the protagonists. This suggests the threat persists indefinitely, leaving viewers with lingering unease rather than resolution. The unresolved ending reinforces the film's themes of paranoia and inescapable consequence.

  • ending
  • threat
  • ambiguous
  • conclusion
  • unresolved

Movie threads

More Movies Like It Follows, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes It Follows tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Supernatural Stalking Horror like in It Follows

Stories where an inescapable supernatural entity relentlessly stalks its victims. If you enjoyed the relentless dread of It Follows, this collection features movies with similar supernatural stalkers. These films focus on a slow, constant threat that creates intense paranoia, forcing characters into a desperate fight for survival against an invisible, patient enemy.

  • dread-filled
  • paranoid
  • unsettling
  • oppressive
  • anxious
  • claustrophobic
  • Tone: tense, paranoid, bleak
  • Pacing: steady, deliberate
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Narratives in this thread typically follow a straightforward survival structure. After an initial transgression or encounter, a character becomes the target of a persistent supernatural entity. The plot revolves around their attempts to understand the rules of the threat and find a way to escape, often with ambiguous or bleak results.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared core premise: a patient, inescapable supernatural stalker. They create a similar viewing experience defined by high tension, psychological dread, and a feeling of vulnerability that lingers long after the credits roll.

Metaphorical Horror with Heavy Themes like in It Follows

Films where horror manifests from psychological fears and societal anxieties. For viewers who appreciated the metaphorical weight of It Follows, this section highlights horror films that use their supernatural elements to explore heavy themes. These movies are tense, emotionally heavy, and leave a lasting impression by tapping into deep-seated anxieties.

  • psychological
  • unsettling
  • melancholic
  • oppressive
  • thought-provoking
  • dread-filled
  • Tone: tense, melancholic, unsettling
  • Pacing: steady, atmospheric
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative journey in these films is often internal. Characters grapple with a horror that symbolizes a larger issue, making their struggle both literal and allegorical. The plot serves to explore the psychological impact of the threat, with a focus on mood and thematic resonance over complex plotting.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their use of horror as a vehicle for exploring weighty psychological and societal themes. They share a similar tone of earnest seriousness, a steady pace that builds unease, and an ending that often provides more thematic resolution than narrative closure.

Every angle

It Follows (2015) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about It Follows in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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