How Does The Author'S Writing Style In 'It Follows' Contribute To The Suspense?

The author’s writing style in 'It Follows' is a masterclass in building suspense through subtlety and atmosphere. What struck me most was how the narrative never rushes. It’s like the author is playing a long game, slowly tightening the tension with every page. The descriptions are sparse but precise, leaving just enough to the imagination to make the reader’s mind fill in the gaps. That’s where the real terror lies—not in what’s explicitly said, but in what’s left unsaid. The pacing feels deliberate, almost like the story is stalking you, much like the entity in the book stalks its victims. It’s unnerving in the best way possible.

Another thing that stood out was the use of mundane details to create unease. The author doesn’t rely on grand, dramatic moments to scare you. Instead, it’s the ordinary things—a shadow in the corner of a room, a figure standing too still in the distance, a car that seems to be following just a little too closely. These small, everyday observations are twisted into something sinister, making the reader question everything. It’s a brilliant way to keep you on edge because it blurs the line between the normal and the terrifying. You start to see threats where there might not be any, and that’s when the suspense really takes hold.

The dialogue is another key element. It’s often clipped and cryptic, with characters speaking in half-truths or avoiding the subject altogether. This creates a sense of isolation and paranoia, as if no one can be fully trusted, not even the protagonist. The lack of clear answers forces the reader to piece things together, which only heightens the tension. You’re constantly second-guessing, trying to figure out what’s real and what’s imagined. It’s a psychological game, and the author plays it exceptionally well.

If you’re into this kind of slow-burn, atmospheric horror, I’d recommend checking out 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson. It has a similar vibe, with its focus on psychological tension and the uncanny. Another great read is 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski, which uses unconventional storytelling techniques to create a sense of dread. Both books, like 'It Follows', excel at making the ordinary feel extraordinary—and terrifying.