Get Out, 2017.
Directed by Jordan Peele.
Starring Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, LilRel Howery and Stephen Root.
SYNOPSIS:
A young African-American man visits his Caucasian girlfriend’s mysterious family estate.
2016 saw a resurgence in top quality horror movies and with the release of Get Out, we’re hopefully onto another winning year in 2017. Simultaneously a taut horror and social commentary, Get Out breaks new ground in its discussion of racism and paranoia.
Chris (Kaluuya) is heading up to his girlfriend Rose’s (Williams) suburb estate for the weekend to meet her parents. Right from the outset the issue of race is put at the forefront with Chris asking Rose if she’s told her parents that he’s black. Rose brushes off the comment but you can see that Chris is concerned that his skin colour will be an issue. They arrive and Rose’s parents are too friendly and try hard; to the point of cringe – her Father repeatedly mentions how he would have voted Obama in for a third term, starts saying “thang” and referring to Chris as “my man”. On the surface this is try hard liberals trying to convince Chris that they’re not racists. But as the movie continues Chris realises that the overly polite white society he’s walked into have darker motives. With twists and turns throughout it’s an ingenious, ludicrous and terrifying horror.
Usually known for his comedic work (and there are plenty of comedic moments throughout courtesy of LilRel Howery), Jordan Peele has excelled as a horror film maker. Other than one effective jump scare, Peele concentrates on building his characters and developing tension that doesn’t let up. Initially you’re not sure if Chris is being paranoid or if there is something darker afoot. The ultimate reveal is more horrifying and outlandish than anything I could have expected.
The issue of race in horror has been touched on before but Get Out feels like the first film that is directly about racism and in turn the horror and paranoia that comes along with it. There’s a powerful message that seems fitting considering the current political client and will ensure that Get Out is remembered or years to come.
All the performances are exceptional. Catherine Keener as Rose’s Mum Missy in particular gives a subtle and unnerving performance. Kaluuya also proves his versatility by adding lots of layers to Chris and making us really feel how much fear he’s feeling.
Sitting in a packed cinema watching Get Out was refreshing. Hardly anyone checked their phones and everyone seemed to be engaged 100% with what was happening on-screen. I think that’s a testament to the power of this film and the statement that it makes.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Helen Murdoch
Originally published March 19, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
