There was a lot of positive buzz surrounding this and it really delivered. It truly is one of the best and most original horror films of the decade. It’s scary, suspenseful, and sticks with you.

After a sexual encounter, a young girl, Jay (Maika Monroe) is followed by a mysterious supernatural force.

The premise of this film alone is terrifying and original. It’s left the door open to a lot of different interpretations. A lot see it as a metaphor of STDs and the dangers of sex, which is the most accurate interpretation. The fact that its left so much up to discussion is the main reason this film lived up to its hype. After Jay has her sexual encounter with Hugh (Jake Weary), a young man, that’s when everything changes for her. The supernatural force takes human form and changes constantly. It may be a complete stranger or someone really close to you as Hugh describes to her. It never stops following you until you have sex with someone else, but even then it can still linger. If it catches up to you, you’re dead—simple as that.

On top of the great premise, the film has flawless cinematography, a haunting score, the perfect setting, and great acting. The suburban setting is reminiscent of classic horror films such as Halloween (1978), and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). The dream/nightmare logic of the film makes it very comparable toA Nightmare on Elm Street especially. The score composed by Disasterpiece is fitting, spine tingling, and 80’s horror-esque. Although horror is typically criticized as a genre because of bad acting, that’s not the case here. The whole cast is great and we really find ourselves caring about Jay and her struggle to understand what is happening. She has supportive friends which include her younger sister, Kelly (Lili Sepe), her female friend, Yara (Olivia Luccardi), and her male friend, Paul (Keir Gilchrist). We really see the film from their perspective because there aren’t long scenes with any adults, and it works. Most of the time they’re in the background, or only briefly seen—perhaps the film’s saying that they’re helpless and that it’s unable to relate to them during the age of sexual discovery?

The relationship between Jay and Paul is believable and changes as the film progresses. Paul has sexual feelings for Jay, but it’s not mutual (or so it seems). There are some great shots and bits of dialogue that make the sexual tension between the two apparent. Greg (Daniel Zovatto), Jay’s neighbor getting involved in her horrific situation further complicates their relationship. The film builds up to a tense and awesome climax at a swimming pool where Jay and her friends attempt to destroy whatever “it” is that follows her. The film ends with a feeling of ambiguity, fitting considering its shrouded so much in it, and also acceptance in the minds of Jay and Paul.

I cannot recommend this film more if you’re a horror fan or even a casual moviegoer. It’s a smart, original horror film that also serves as a love letter to 70’s and 80’s horror films. Writer and director David Robert Mitchell has a bright future ahead of him this film proves. He doesn’t rely on excessive gore or nudity and instead creates an effectively creepy horror film that hits the psyche of the viewer.