Movie Review: "Get Out"Written and directed by Jordan Peele (“Key & Peele”), "Get Out" is an original psychological thriller with a slight satirical edge that has a lot to say in an interesting way. It’s been critically acclaimed, earning an almost unheard of score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes after more than 130 reviews. So does it live up to the hype?
Blumhouse is a production company that has made an art out of spending little and cashing out on horror films, an unfortunate majority featuring abysmal acting talents and scares as cheap as its budget. Writer/director Jordan Peele has completely shattered that mold by presenting a psychological thriller that doesn’t just take audiences on an emotional ride, but does so with conveying an extraordinarily astute observation on race-relations without falling into common pitfalls that even the best directors can’t escape in some works. His attention to detail is staggering, with each and every bit of dialogue adding layers to what could have broken down and fallen apart in the hands of an amateur storyteller. In addition to Peele’s narrative talent was an amazing ensemble cast, a particular standout in its lead Chris, played by Daniel Kaluuya. Perhaps the most common (and arguably most annoying) trope in all horror is that the victims always succumb to their fears and make the world’s dumbest decisions when trying to outrun or outsmart the monsters, serial killers, and predators. In Get Out, the trope is thrown out the window, and Kaluuya plays the role of the straight man in a situation that he knows isn’t quite right. He reacts the way the audience would react. He investigates the way the audience would investigate. He behaves in ways that don’t ever quite make him a victim in the traditional sense. And what makes Chris’s character so unique for the genre, is that finally there is a non-stereotypical everyman in the leading role who just happens to be black. Aside from the slight predictability that creeps in towards the film’s end, Get Out is an astonishing piece of work-- a rarity from a directorial debut and a February release. Peele masterfully borrowed tools from a plethora of the great horror films such as The Stepford Wives, The Wicker Man, and a dash of Scream among others, and combined them into something originally fresh that has been missing from the genre for what feels like an eternity. The pacing was a deliciously slow burn. It was beautifully shot and its score only enhanced the intensity of its eerie setting. The narrative was intriguing and insightful, as a statement was made about race-relations without ever villainizing an entire race, a testament to Peele’s unique experience as a biracial auteur. Without a doubt, Get Out lives up to the hype. 9/10 If you haven't checked it out yet, get out and go watch "Get Out"! Do you agree with Steve's high praise for this movie? Let us know in the comments! |
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