Today’s quick review: Following. To stave off his loneliness, an unemployed writer (Jeremy Theobald) takes to following strangers around. His activities catch the attention of Cobb (Alex Haw), an unconventional burglar who teaches the young man his craft. But when Cobb’s apprentice falls for a woman (Lucy Russell) he robbed, he gets drawn into a tangled situation involving her dangerous ex-boyfriend.
Following is a minimalistic crime drama from writer and director Christopher Nolan. Following begins with the simple premise of stalking as a hobby and spins it into a mysterious quasi-thriller with an engaging plot. The film’s black-and-white direction, unusual themes, and smart writing make it a fascinating watch in spite of its short run time. However, its limited scope keeps it from making the most of its premise.
The directorial debut of Christopher Nolan, Following introduces many of the elements Nolan would become known for. Nonlinear storytelling makes the film a small, self-contained puzzle, with clues dispensed cleverly throughout it. A few sharp plot twists give the story a good payoff, although the plot is neither as elaborate nor as gut-wrenching as Nolan’s later work.
The film’s only major tradeoff concerns its initial premise. Following has the makings of a tense psychological thriller, but the concept of stalking strangers falls by the wayside as soon as Cobb appears. This shift paves the way for the movie’s strong, actual plot, but the unique, disturbing premise of escalating stalking is never fully explored. As such, Following is an intellectually satisfying film that misses out on the raw tension of, say, Memento.
Watch Following if you are a fan of Christopher Nolan or you are in the mood for an experimental story whose risks pay off. The movie handles its darker elements delicately enough that it remains a fairly accessible watch, even for sensitive viewers. However, its serious tone and complicated plot make it a poor chose for anyone looking for a light or straightforward story. For a darker, more developed thriller with a similar tone, check out Memento.
7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for an interesting premise, an engaging plot, and solid direction.