The first thing you notice about a Jordan Peele film is that it isn't really like other horror movies. It's a cool, hip kind of terror, like a shiver down your spine that's also somehow a chuckle. That unsettling feeling starts right away in "Get Out" – a Black man walking down the street in a quiet, leafy suburban neighborhood. There's a car trailing him, a low hum of menace on the soundtrack. You brace yourself, already expecting the worst.
Get Out 2017 Key Takeaways
Racism isn't always overt. Racism can lurk under the surface of smiles and "progressive" attitudes. The Armitages, while touting the "would have voted for Obama a third time" line, harbor a deeply sinister obsession with Blackness that reveals the hypocrisy of "colorblind" attitudes.
Microaggressions are a form of violence. Even without explicit hostility, seemingly well-intentioned comments or actions can cut deeply. In the film, these microaggressions build suspense and unease, reflecting the real, everyday experiences of many Black people in white spaces.
White people can exploit Black bodies for their own gain. The Armitages' horrific scheme is fueled by a twisted desire to possess the perceived physical and cultural attributes of Black people - essentially stealing their minds and bodies.
Trust your intuition. Chris consistently senses something is wrong despite external attempts to assure him everything is okay. This highlights the importance of listening to your gut feelings, especially when you're in a marginalized position.
Black experiences are valid, even when others don't understand. Even Chris' best friend initially dismisses his concerns. The film underscores the fact that Black people often have a unique perception of danger and discrimination that may not be obvious to others.
The "sunken place" is a powerful metaphor. This symbolic space represents the suppression of consciousness and agency that can result from systemic oppression.
Horror can be a tool for social commentary. Jordan Peele uses the horror genre expertly to dissect issues of race and privilege, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths.
But Peele isn't into cheap jump scares or gore. His movies are slow burns, threads of anxiety woven into something beautiful and hypnotic. As Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a young Black photographer, drives upstate with his white girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) for a meet-the-parents weekend, it's like a waking nightmare you can't shake. The Armitage family – Dean (Bradley Whitford) the liberal dad, Missy (Catherine Keener) the creepily calming therapist mom – they're so friendly it's unnerving. They go out of their way to mention that they would have voted for Obama a third time if they could. And then there are the Black servants, Georgina (Betty Gabriel) with her hollow eyes and fixed grin, and Walter the groundskeeper (Marcus Henderson) silently running laps at night.
Chris knows something isn't right, but there's no single thing he can point to. It's in the microaggressions, the subtle looks, the way everyone around him seems a bit too…perfect. It's the sense of dread that gnaws at your subconscious, that feeling like Chris is trapped in some chilling "Twilight Zone" episode. And the genius of it is that Peele masterfully turns the lens on us, the audience. We're made complicit in Chris' unease because, well, we've seen enough horror movies to know something sinister is going on here.
It's a scathing critique of white liberalism disguised as a thriller. The Armitages are the type of people who talk a big game about race, but who are ultimately blind to their own privilege and the lived experiences of people like Chris. The true horror is not some supernatural monster, but the insidiousness of everyday racism. Peele uses familiar genre tropes – the sinister old house, the creepy family, the hypnotism – and twists them with razor-sharp satire. You'll laugh nervously one moment and be chilled to the bone the next.
A Breakaway Film At The Sundance Film Festival
Kaluuya, the British actor who carries this whole film on his shoulders, is a revelation. His vulnerability and simmering terror are utterly believable, and the way he uses his eyes to convey fear and confusion is simply brilliant. The supporting cast is stellar, with Whitford and Keener nailing the performative niceness that hides something much darker. And shout-out to Lil Rel Howery as Chris' best friend and TSA agent, Rod – he provides much-needed comic relief, his outlandish theories and pop culture references grounding us even when the film drifts into the surreal.
The less you know going into "Get Out," the better. Suffice it to say, when the twist comes, it smacks you square between the eyes. It's a twist that turns your understanding of the entire movie on its head, a shocking and utterly satisfying reveal. And that's the thing about a Jordan Peele film – you can watch it ten times and still find new layers of meaning. "Get Out" is not only a damn good horror flick, it's a searing indictment of racial hypocrisy that feels more relevant than ever.
If you're a fan of horror that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll, then this is a must-watch. It's a movie that will get under your skin, make you question your own assumptions, and stay with you for days, months, maybe even years. After "Get Out," the "sunken place" will become a shorthand for a whole kind of sinister silence. Peele is making his feature directorial debut here, and honestly, it's the kind of bold, assured entrance that signals the arrival of a major talent. This guy isn't just a clever writer and director, he's a visionary, and "Get Out" is a chilling, brilliant masterpiece.
And that is Get Out 2017 Reviewed. A modern horror movie that is destined to be a classic.
Stay tuned for more great horror movie reviews.
If You Liked Get Out 2017 You Might Also Like These Films
Us (2019): Also directed by Jordan Peele, "Us" follows a family who must confront terrifying doppelgängers of themselves. This film delves into themes of class, identity, and the dark side lurking within us all. It shares the same unsettling atmosphere, twisted humor, and social commentary that made "Get Out" a standout.
Candyman (2021): A direct sequel to the 1992 horror classic, this Nia DaCosta-directed film explores themes of gentrification, racial trauma, and the enduring power of urban legends. "Candyman" delivers chilling scares and sharp social commentary, much like "Get Out", while revisiting an iconic horror figure.
The Invitation (2015): A slow-burn thriller directed by Karyn Kusama, "The Invitation" centers around a dinner party where a man suspects his ex-wife and her new friends have a sinister agenda. The film builds a masterful sense of dread and paranoia, leaving audiences questioning the characters' true intentions – a feeling that echoes the experience of "Get Out".
Antebellum (2020): This unsettling thriller stars Janelle Monáe as a successful author who finds herself trapped in a horrifying alternate reality resembling the slavery era of the American South. "Antebellum" offers a bold and shocking exploration of racial trauma and the lingering effects of systemic oppression.
Parasite (2019): This Oscar-winning South Korean film by Bong Joon-ho is a darkly comedic thriller about a poor family infiltrating the lives of a wealthy one. "Parasite" brilliantly dissects class divisions and the desperation they can create. While not strictly horror, it shares elements of social commentary, dark humor, and unexpected twists that resonate with fans of "Get Out".
Get Out 2017 Reviewed FAQs
Q: What is the movie "Get Out" about?
A: "Get Out" is a horror film directed by Jordan Peele that follows the story of Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a young Black photographer, who is invited by his white girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) to meet her parents for the weekend at their secluded estate. While initially everyone seems overly accommodating, Chris senses something deeply unsettling beneath the surface. As the weekend progresses, Chris makes a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries about the family and their true motivations, culminating in a horrifying revelation about the sinister methods they use to exploit Black bodies and minds.
Q: Who are some of the key characters in "Get Out"?
A: * Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya): A talented photographer and the film's protagonist, Chris navigates the awkwardness of an interracial relationship and the mounting terror of the weekend.
Rose Armitage (Allison Williams): Chris' girlfriend who, initially, appears innocent but whose true nature becomes chillingly clear.
Dean Armitage (Bradley Whitford): Rose's father, a neurosurgeon with a disturbingly enthusiastic demeanor.
Missy Armitage (Catherine Keener): Rose's mother, a hypnotherapist who uses her skills for nefarious purposes.
Jeremy Armitage (Caleb Landry Jones): Rose's volatile and unpredictable brother.
Georgina (Betty Gabriel): The Armitages' housekeeper, whose vacant smiles and unsettling behavior hint at something deeply wrong.
Walter (Marcus Henderson): The Armitages' groundskeeper, who exhibits similarly odd and unsettling mannerisms.
Rod Williams (Lil Rel Howery): Chris' best friend and a TSA agent whose outlandish theories provide both comic relief and a grounded perspective.
Q: What are some common themes explored in "Get Out"?
A: "Get Out" explores several powerful themes:
Racial exploitation and appropriation: The film is a critique of how white people can fetishize and exploit Black bodies and culture for their own gain.
The insidiousness of racism: Peele demonstrates how racism can exist even in seemingly liberal, "post-racial" environments, often disguised as microaggressions and false wokeness.
The "sunken place": A metaphorical representation of the suppression of consciousness and the loss of self that can occur under systemic oppression.
Trusting your instincts: The film highlights the importance of listening to your intuition, particularly in situations where you feel marginalized or at risk.
Q: What have critic reviews said about "Get Out"?
A: "Get Out" received widespread critical acclaim. Reviews highlighted:
Social commentary: Critics praised Peele's deft blending of horror and sharp social commentary on race relations in America.
Originality and suspense: The film was lauded for its unique premise, unpredictable plot, and masterful creation of a pervasive sense of dread.
Performances: Kaluuya's performance was particularly celebrated, with critics recognizing his ability to convey a spectrum of emotions from subtle unease to sheer terror.
Q: How have user reviews of "Get Out" been generally received?
A: User reviews of "Get Out" have been overwhelmingly positive. Audiences praise:
Thought-provoking nature: Many viewers found the film lingered with them long after watching, sparking discussions about race and social issues.
Uniqueness: The film is widely considered a fresh, original take on the horror genre.
Entertainment value: Beyond its social commentary, "Get Out" is simply a well-crafted, suspenseful, and terrifying movie to watch.
Q: What is the significance of the opening scene in "Get Out"?
A: The opening scene, where a lone Black man (Lakeith Stanfield) is abducted in a quiet suburban neighborhood, immediately sets a tone of unease and impending danger. It:
Establishes the threat: It hints at a sinister force targeting Black individuals.
Foreshadows Chris' fate: It creates a sense of foreboding, suggesting Chris might be targeted in a similar way.
Reflects real-world fears: The scene taps into the very real anxieties many Black people experience in predominantly white spaces.