Following
Stream
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Bill, an idle, unemployed aspiring writer, walks the crowded streets of London following randomly chosen strangers, a seemingly innocent entertainment that becomes dangerous when he crosses paths with a mysterious character.
What critics thought
Nolan's micro-budget debut draws genuine admiration for its audacious non-linear structure and neo-noir atmosphere, but critical opinion splits over whether the inexperienced cast and thinly drawn characters can carry the weight of the narrative's cleverness. Contemporary reviews leaned positive while acknowledging real limitations, and the film's reputation has grown considerably in hindsight as audiences trace its DNA through Nolan's later work.
“the generic pay off is a little disappointing after the edgy, character based scenes of exposition”
Tony Rayns·Time Out
“lack the dramatic ballast to compensate for [Nolan's] erratic plot elisions”
Trevor Lewis·Empire
“Nolan shows a natural talent for a fluent handheld aesthetic”
David Thompson·Sight and Sound
Parents guide
- Violence
- moderate
- Sex
- mild
- Profanity
- moderate
- Substances
- mild
- Intensity
- mild
Genres
Drama, Thriller
Cast & Crew
Christopher NolanDirector
Jeremy TheobaldThe Young Man
Alex HawCobb
Lucy RussellThe Blonde
John NolanThe Policeman
Dick BradsellThe Bald Guy
David JulyanComposerChristopher NolanCinematographyFollowing
Bill, an idle, unemployed aspiring writer, walks the crowded streets of London following randomly chosen strangers, a seemingly innocent entertainment that becomes dangerous when he crosses paths with a mysterious character.
What critics thought
Nolan's micro-budget debut draws genuine admiration for its audacious non-linear structure and neo-noir atmosphere, but critical opinion splits over whether the inexperienced cast and thinly drawn characters can carry the weight of the narrative's cleverness. Contemporary reviews leaned positive while acknowledging real limitations, and the film's reputation has grown considerably in hindsight as audiences trace its DNA through Nolan's later work.
“the generic pay off is a little disappointing after the edgy, character based scenes of exposition”
Tony Rayns·Time Out
“lack the dramatic ballast to compensate for [Nolan's] erratic plot elisions”
Trevor Lewis·Empire
“Nolan shows a natural talent for a fluent handheld aesthetic”
David Thompson·Sight and Sound
Parents guide
- Violence
- moderate
- Sex
- mild
- Profanity
- moderate
- Substances
- mild
- Intensity
- mild
Genres
Drama, Thriller
Cast & Crew
Christopher NolanDirectorJeremy TheobaldThe Young ManAlex HawCobbLucy RussellThe BlondeJohn NolanThe PolicemanDick BradsellThe Bald GuyDavid JulyanComposerChristopher NolanCinematographyStream
Rent & Buy