Is Following Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Following is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 69 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Following Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1999, Following emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 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. Unlike standard genre fare, Following attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Following features a noteworthy lineup led by Jeremy Theobald . Supported by the likes of Alex Haw and Lucy Russell , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Following (1999) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Following Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Following is a Drama, Thriller film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. 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. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
Following Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Following resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Following reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Following?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Following Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $48.5K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Following Budget
The estimated production budget for Following is $6.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Following
- Jeremy Theobald – The Young Man
- Alex Haw – Cobb
- Lucy Russell – The Blonde
- John Nolan – The Policeman
- Dick Bradsell – The Bald Guy
Top Highlights
Jeremy TheobaldThe Young Man
Alex HawCobb
Lucy RussellThe Blonde
John NolanThe Policeman
Dick BradsellThe Bald Guy
Gillian El-KadiHome Owner
Jennifer AngelWaitress
Nicolas CarlottiBarman
Darren OrmandyAccountant
Guy GreenwayHeavy #1
Where to Watch Following Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MUBI
MUBI Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
Following is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, Following stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1999 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Following movie hit or flop?
Following is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, Thriller movies.
Is Following worth watching?
Yes, Following is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, Thriller cinema.
Where can I watch Following online?
Following is currently available for streaming on MUBI. You can also check for it on platforms like MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How Following Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Following
An impressive, given the budget et al., feature film debut from Mr. Nolan! Not that the aforementioned is a surprise, of course. Still, this is a great watch, no doubt about it for me. I particularly appreciated the score, which is very good. Jeremy Theobald and Alex Haw give strong performances, especially the latter; who kept reminding me of a young Kevin Durand. As you'd expect, this has many early hallmarks of Nolan's work - the obvious being the non-linear storytelling. I really like how the story is told here, the premise is intriguing and it ends up wrapping up nicely. The 70 minute run time, although not unwelcome, is shorter than I wanted, only because I happily would've watched this flick develop further. I still gotta tick off 'Memento', 'Insomnia' and 'The Prestige' to complete Christopher Nolan's filmography. 'Following' is now logged and I'd recommend it. On the topic of this director's movies, I'd rank this higher than (the still very good) 'Dunkirk', 'The Dark Knight Rises' and, narrowly, 'Tenet'.
Following is Christopher Nolan’s low-budget debut film, crafted almost entirely on his own—from writing to editing—using non-professional actors and friends’ homes as sets. Despite its modest resources, the film delivers a compelling and complex narrative about a writer’s descent into deception after following the wrong person. With its clever dual meaning and signature nonlinear storytelling, Following demands full attention from viewers to fully grasp its layered plot and early glimpse of Nolan’s distinct filmmaking style. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com)
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
