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Horripilations Review of Get Out (2017)

Movie Review: Get Out (2017)

Synopsis

"Get Out," directed by Jordan Peele, is a psychological horror film that explores themes of race, identity, and social anxiety in contemporary America. The story revolves around Chris Washington, an African-American photographer, who is about to meet the family of his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage, for the first time. Their relationship seems strong, but Chris is apprehensive about the racial dynamics he might encounter. Upon arriving at the Armitage family’s secluded estate, Chris quickly becomes aware of an unsettling atmosphere characterized by peculiar behaviour among the Black staff members and the oddly deferential attitude of Rose’s parents, Dean and Missy.

As the visit progresses, Chris faces a series of increasingly bizarre interactions with the family and their privileged friends, leading to a chilling revelation of the sinister reality underpinning their seemingly benign intentions. The Armitages’ obsession with Chris’s physicality is revealed to have dark, supernatural roots, exposing the horror of cultural appropriation, exploitation, and the treatment of Black bodies, both literally and metaphorically. Throughout his ordeal, Chris’s fight for survival becomes a harrowing critique of societal norms and underscores the disconcerting truth about liberal racism.

List of Actors and Characters

  • Daniel Kaluuya as Chris Washington
  • Allison Williams as Rose Armitage
  • Catherine Keener as Missy Armitage
  • Bradley Whitford as Dean Armitage
  • Lil Rel Howery as Rod Williams
  • Betty Gabriel as Georgina
  • Marcus Henderson as Walter
  • Caleb Landry Jones as Jeremy Armitage

Review

Jordan Peele’s debut film as a director stands as a masterclass in blending horror with social commentary. "Get Out" is not merely a film that utilises jump scares or grotesque imagery; it intricately weaves thematic elements that resonate powerfully with audiences, particularly in the context of race relations in the United States. As a mixture of thriller and satire, the film is both perturbing and thought-provoking, reflecting the ever-present anxieties of a racially divided society.

One of the film’s most effective features is its ability to establish a tone that oscillates between discomfort and dark humour. Peele employs laughter as a coping mechanism, using comedic relief deftly to build tension. The character of Rod Williams, played with impeccable charm by Lil Rel Howery, serves as the audience’s voice of sanity amid the escalating madness. His comedic interjections provide both levity and a sobering reminder of the absurdity lurking beneath the film’s narrative. The banter between Chris and Rod as they navigate their friendship, combined with Rod’s perceptiveness about the troubling undertones of Chris’s situation, reflects a deep-seated camaraderie that ultimately serves as a lifeline for Chris.

Kaluuya’s performance as Chris Washington is nothing short of extraordinary. He captures the nuances of a man grappling with the duality of his identity: the love for his partner juxtaposed against the ingrained fears of being a Black man in a predominantly white space. His expressions communicate a visceral dread that compounds as Chris slowly unravels the true intentions behind the Armitage family’s hospitality. Notably, the scene in which Chris meets the family’s friends at a garden party is rife with microaggressions and uncomfortable glances, capturing the essence of white liberalism’s façade of progressiveness—a key theme of the film.

The cinematography, helmed by Theo van de Sande, is particularly crucial in establishing the film’s atmosphere. The choice of close-ups heightens the sense of claustrophobia, drawing viewers into Chris’s psyche and evoking empathy throughout the ordeal. The camera often lingers on Chris’s expressions, allowing the audience to experience his horror intimately. The use of lighting also plays a vital role, alternating between bright daylight and shadowy, menacing spaces that mirror the duality of his experience—outwardly welcoming yet harbouring darkness.

Peele’s choice to reference highly respected horror tropes adds another layer of depth to the film. The concept of the "sunken place," introduced when Chris is hypnotised by Missy Armitage, serves as a powerful metaphor for the loss of agency experienced by individuals within a racist society. This idea of being trapped and unable to voice one’s thoughts is a striking commentary on the experiences of many within minority communities and speaks to broader themes of systemic oppression.

Moreover, the film’s pacing keeps the audience on edge, gradually unveiling the horrifying truth while maintaining tension throughout. As Chris experiences unexplainable occurrences, such as the erratic behaviour of Georgina, the family’s housekeeper, and Walter, the groundskeeper, viewers find themselves drawn deeper into a web of intrigue and dread. Each revelation is timed perfectly to heighten suspense, leading to a climactic confrontation that is both shocking and cathartic.

The score, composed by Michael Abels, significantly complements the film’s atmosphere. The use of dissonant sounds and haunting melodies amplifies tension at critical junctures, evoking a feeling of impending doom that lingers long after the credits roll.

Beyond its entertainment value, "Get Out" is a clarion call for discourse regarding race and identity in modern society. The film pushes viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about privilege and exploitation while exposing the grotesque realities lurking beneath the surface of seemingly progressive narratives.

In conclusion, "Get Out" is not just a horror film; it is an essential cultural artefact that unearths the complexities of race relations with a potent blend of horror and humour. Jordan Peele has masterfully crafted a narrative that is both chilling and enlightening, striking at the heart of societal anxieties. The film succeeds on numerous levels: as a thriller, a commentary on race, and a testament to the power of storytelling in addressing uncomfortable truths. For its innovative approach and profound impact, "Get Out" firmly earns a score of 9 out of 10. It is a film that will resonate with audiences long after the lights come up, encouraging a critical examination of the world we inhabit.

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