GET OUT Is A Smart, Satirical Look On Society and Racism

After five-months of dating, Rose and Chris take the next step, which is for him to meet her parents. He is concerned that their interracial relationship will be a point of conflict during this trip. However, it seems he has more to worry about than the possibility of racist parents. Get Out marks the directorial debut of Jordan Peele (Keanu, Key & Peel) and proves he has what it takes to make a thrilling horror film. With a perfect balance of terror and comedy, this smart, slightly-satirical look on society and racism is a well crafted film that dives even deeper than you expect.

Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) is invited by his girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) to spend the weekend at her parents estate. This will be the first time Chris has met them and is nervous how their interracial relationship will be received. Something Rose has not warned her parents of. When they first arrive, Chris takes note that both the maid and groundskeeper for the family are black. However, Rose’s father Dean (Bradley Whitford) assures him that there are no racial motivations. Even more odd is her mother Missy (Catherine Keener) who practices hypnosis. Despite Chris’ decline for a session, she continues to press him on the subject.

As the weekend gets underway, the family hosts their yearly party with friends, all of whom are white. Chris is growing uncomfortable as it seems everyone is making bold attempts to not seem racist. They bring up liking Barack Obama, Tiger woods and even make complimentary remarks about his physique. He is surprised to see one black man and attempts to chat with him to ease the awkwardness, but finds the young man to be just as odd as the rest of them. Chris finds comfort in a phone call with his cousin Rod (Lil Rel Howery), who swears something sinister is going on. Both he and his cousin continue to grow in their paranoia as they piece together the macabre history of this community.

For his first time, Jordan Peele really has solidified himself as a master of horror. This film is perfectly stylized in a way that isn’t overdone. It embodies what it is with subtle similarities to cult classics, but completely remains its own throughout. It follows more of a psychological thriller pattern as well, avoiding unnecessary jump scares or relying on gore to aid its story. There is an unease that follows you throughout the film as you try to dissect each character and what is truly going on. It’s full of tension and continually plays with your mind.

Not surprising was the amount of great comedic moments in this film. There were much needed moments of levity throughout, most delivered by scene-stealer Lil Rel Howery. Use of humor were at times when it felt natural and it wasn’t an attempt to overpower the film or its message. Jordan Peele has found so much success in comedy, which was why so many were shocked to hear he was directing and writing this film. This was a nice way for him to merge his love of horror with what he is best known for.

Also worth its own praise is the amazing performance by Daniel Kaluuya. Many will recognize him from his appearance in the Black Mirror episode “Fifteen Million Merits“. His portrayal of the emotionally scarred Chris was such a well-developed character in a genre that sometimes forgets how to do that.

Tackling racial issues in a horror movie seemed to unnerve some people when the trailer initially dropped. It was easy for people to judge it on the surface, especially for a topic that makes some uncomfortable. Any further explanation of the plot would undoubtedly get into spoiler territory. What I will say is not only is the subject of racism addressed and utilized well, but also the idea of genetic superiority.

It handles some extremely relevant subject matters with grace while being throughly entertaining. Going deeper into societal issues that are not so easy to assume by just the trailer. It’s a fun, thought-provoking movie that will solidify itself as a classic. An amazing first project for Jordan Peele.

Get Out is in theaters February 24th.