Where was It Follows filmed?
2014
City Locations
Detroit, MI
Location Types
Schools/Colleges, Hospitals/Medical
Location Styles
School, Modern Building, Modern Car, Dilapidated/Neglected
About It Follows
It Follows tells the tale of Jay, a young woman haunted by a supernatural entity following a sexual encounter. With the knowledge that It won't stop until it captures her, Jay embarks on a quest to uncover its intentions and find a way to evade its clutches. Assisted by her friends, she navigates through the enigma, seeking aid and devising an escape plan from this mysterious force.
The film has received universal acclaim for its originality and for Maika Monroe’s performance as Jay. It has also been praised for its use of atmosphere to create tension and dread throughout, without relying on gratuitous gore or jump scares. One fun fact about the movie is that it was shot using anamorphic lenses in order to mimic the look of classic horror films from the 1970s. The combination of modern horror techniques with classic cinematography gives It Follows a unique visual flair that stands out among other horror movies.
It Follows has garnered widespread critical acclaim. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts a 95% approval rating and an impressive average score of 8.10/10 based on 270 reviews. Critics agree that it is a "smart, original, and terrifying" masterpiece, resonating on multiple levels and leaving a lasting impact. Metacritic also gives the film a solid average rating of 83 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim." It was also ranked as the sixth most-praised film of the year and the ninth most-praised horror film of the 2010s on Rotten Tomatoes' aggregation. Peter Debruge of Variety gave a positive review, praising the suspenseful and stylish nature of the film, stating that it would broaden the director's audience without disappointing early supporters.
It Follows Locations
The production of the hit horror movie It Follows saw filmmakers traverse across the US state of Michigan in search of the perfect backdrop for the movie. Most of the scenes were shot in and around the Detroit metropolitan area, including main locations such as Sterling Heights in Oakland County and Clawson in Macomb County.
The scenery provided by these locations was nothing short of iconic; from Jay Height's suburban home to a nearby pool scene, both sites painted a picture of Midwestern Americana that captured the essence of It Follows. The rolling hills and leafy surroundings mixed with suburban houses and stores give off a sense of nostalgia, one that is often associated with classic horror films. This juxtaposition between family-friendly neighborhoods and an underlying darkness works to further enhance the atmosphere created by It Follows.
A trip to explore these filming locations would be worthwhile for fans of film and horror alike. Michigan is also known for its scenic views, so you can also explore what else this great state has to offer before heading home.
Jeff gets petrified scene in It Follows
Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI 48219, United States
In one memorable scene, Jeff (originally known as Hugh) spots a girl in a yellow dress and becomes petrified. This scene occurs during a date between Jay (Maika Monroe) and Jeff (Jake Weary) before they have sex. While at a movie theater, Jeff notices a girl in a yellow dress standing behind them. This sight terrifies him, and his fear is palpable as he becomes frozen in fear.
This scene was filmed at the Redford Theatre, a historic and atmospheric theater located in the Old Redford neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. It first opened its doors in January 1928 and has since become a cherished cultural landmark in the city. The theater boasts a stunning architectural design that captivates visitors with its unique ambiance.
To get to this location, you’ll need to drive about 16 miles northwest of downtown Detroit. Allow around 25-30 minutes to complete your journey.
Locate Detroit Filming Locations
Jeff and Jay in the plant scene in It Follows
Packard Automotive Plant, 1580 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48211, USA
Jeff and Jay are exploring the eerie and decaying environment of the plant. The derelict surroundings create a sense of unease and add to the overall atmosphere of the film. It is in this setting that the characters further navigate the unfolding events of the plot.
This scene was filmed at the Packard Automotive Plant, which holds a significant place in the history of Detroit. It was a renowned automobile manufacturing factory where luxury cars were produced by the Packard Motor Car Company. The plant's construction began in 1903 and covered an impressive 35 acres of land, showcasing the city's booming automotive industry. However, over time, the Packard Automotive Plant fell into disuse and abandonment. The once-thriving facility became an emblem of urban decay and a haunting reminder of Detroit's economic struggles. Portions of the plant were demolished in recent years, with ongoing efforts to remove the remaining sections.
To get to this location, you’re looking at a five-mile drive northeast from the heart of Detroit.
Discover Detroit Video Shoot Locations
School scene in It Follows
University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48221, United States
Jay is pursued by an older woman (Ingrid Mortimer) in an intense and eerie sequence that takes place when Jay is at school. The woman, who is dressed in a robe, slowly approaches Jay with purposeful intent. This encounter adds to the suspense and fear that permeates throughout the film as Jay realizes she is being followed by a supernatural entity.
The University of Detroit Mercy, founded in 1877, is a prominent Catholic institution located in Detroit, Michigan. As the largest Catholic university in Michigan, it offers a wide range of academic programs across multiple disciplines. It’s also where this memorable scene was filmed.
To get to this location, you’ll need to head north from the Detroit city center. The nine-mile drive should take around 15 minutes in light traffic.
Detroit Production Spaces Exploration
Greg's house scene in It Follows
38748 Trafalgar Way, Sterling Heights, MI 48312, USA
This scene involves the supernatural entity taking on the form of Greg's mother (Ruby Harris) and infiltrating his house. The entity's invasion of Greg's (Daniel Zovatto) home creates a sense of terror and dread as it sets up one of the most disturbing and visceral moments in the film. Jay rushes to Greg's house in an attempt to save him, but she arrives too late, witnessing the horrifying consequences of the entity's presence.
This scene was filmed at a home on Trafalgar Way in Sterling Heights. Located in the heart of Michigan, this stunning neighborhood exudes beauty and charm. The well-maintained homes and lush greenery that line the streets create a picturesque setting throughout the year.
To get to 38748 Trafalgar Way, Sterling Heights, you’ll need to drive about half an hour north of downtown Detroit. The journey is a little less than 25 miles.
Pool scene in It Follows
Clawson High School, 101 John M Ave, Clawson, MI 48017, United States
During the climax of the film, the characters attempt to trap the supernatural entity known as It in a public swimming pool. To enhance their chances of trapping It, they strategically arrange various objects around the pool. The intense sequence unfolds as Jay spots It approaching her in the pool area, creating a moment of heightened suspense.
This scene was filmed at Clawson High School, located in Clawson, Michigan. This educational institution is part of the Clawson Public Schools district and is less than 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. It’ll take a little over 20 minutes to get there in light traffic.
Filming Locations Search
Conclusion
It Follows is a thriller horror movie that utilized various locations across Michigan to capture the creepy atmosphere of tension and fear in the midst of a supernatural force. Directed by David Robert Mitchell, It Follows is a unique horror movie that follows a young woman pursued by an unknown supernatural force after she engages in a sexual encounter.
The film’s main settings can be found in various locations around Detroit. The use of multiple locations contributed to the film’s dark atmosphere and added an eerie tension between reality and fantasy for viewers. With its suspenseful storyline and creative use of locations, It Follows remains one of the most unique films within its genre.
So if you’re a fan of horror movies, why not plan an adventure to Detroit to explore some of these memorable filming locations.