Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that It Follows is an indie horror movie with lots of buzz among horror fanatics. Teen sex is a major issue; the actors are in their early 20s, but the characters -- who discover that the only way to get rid of the monster is to have sex with someone and "pass" the monster to them -- could easily be in their late teens. Sex isn't mysterious or magical here (as it's often portrayed in movies when teens are involved), but it is extremely complicated, mirroring the confusing, conflicting way that sex ushers teens into adulthood. The main female character has sex with three different guys, but the only nudity involves the monster's various forms: Naked breasts are shown, and there's a shot of a full-frontally naked male. The movie is also very scary and violent: A mangled corpse is shown, characters die, teens fire a gun, and blood is shown. Language isn't constant but includes uses of "f--k" and "s--t." Two teens are shown smoking pot, and teens are shown carrying (but not drinking) cans of beer. If your teen loves horror, then he or she probably knows about this movie and will want to see it.
Sexual
Content
The monster sometimes appears as women with naked breasts exposed or as a naked man (full frontal, from a distance). Teens must have sex in order to stop the monster. A teen girl (the main character) has sex with three different partners. The monster appears to be having sex with a victim. Teens kiss. (Fake) porn magazines (Playpen) are shown. Prostitutes are shown.
Violence
Dead body, with one leg twisted and bent forward. Characters die. A teen boy knocks out a teen girl with chloroform-soaked cloth. She wakes, tied to a wheelchair. Teens shoot a gun to try to kill the monster. Characters are accidentally hit. Blood is shown. Blood billowing in the water of a swimming pool. Car crash. Girl with broken arm. Very frightening images.
Language
At least one use of "f--k," plus a few uses of "s--t"/"bulls--t."
Social
Behavior
The movie subtly tackles teen sex as a theme, painting it as less magical, mysterious, and transformative than it may seem. But what it actually does say is open for interpretation; no clear messages as to what teens should -- or shouldn't -- do. Teens do attempt to work together to solve problems.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Two teens smoke pot. Teens are seen carrying a six pack of beer to a "date" by a lake, but they're not shown drinking. A teen girl checks out a bottle of prescription pills but doesn't take any.
