Get Out

Movie, 2017, R

Premise - A young man black goes to visit his white girlfriend's house in the middle of the woods. She insists her family is not racist, but as soon as he arrives he gets the feeling that something is not right. The only other black people for miles around are the servants, who aren't acting like normal black people (or normal people at all, for that matter...)

Review - This film is the absolute perfect blend of horror, comedy, and social commentary. It's also just such a great story. Like damn. You get so ridiculously attached to our hero, Chris, as you SO, SO, SO badly want him to get out of that house alive. That intense empathy for Chris adds a heavy dose of heart to the movie, as does his friendship with Rod. And no doubt that is attributable to Daniel Kaluuya's profoundly emotional performance as Chris (and Rod's great comedic timing.)

As far as horror is concerned, this is not a terribly frightening movie. It's more... creepy. Sinister. Especially in the beginning, the horror moments are not particularly horror-esque. I mean, they are, with jump scares and scary music... but it's almost to the point of a cliche, where the audience is laughing at how stereotypically creepy it is. This description is making it sound like bad horror, until you realize that 1) the comedy is a large, intentional force of the film, and 2) it legit gets WAY scarier as the story progresses, ESPECIALLY at the end. I think the film actually provided the perfect dose of scare, because I wasn't left in a constant, uncomfortable state of tension throughout the film. I could just wildly enjoy it. In addition, the balance of genres allowed for the chance to think about all of the implications of the story.

It would take too long to recount everything this movie teaches us about racism. I think, most importantly, it takes a unique look at where racism can come from. In the case of this film, racism stems from jealousy towards a black man's physique. Doesn't matter that the acts of horror come from a positive view on a particular race, it's still discrimination. It's still racist. Doesn't matter the reason, they are intentionally targeting and harming black people. Secondly, the film explores the concept of bystanders. Chris struggles between action and inaction. It was true when sat there watching TV when his mother died, it was true when he watched the deer bleed out, and it's true within the framework of modern day racism. There is just as much guilt associated with letting bad things happen as there is with causing them, and the film was able to articulate this concept without directly applying it to racism. (92/100)

*Edit 2020 - Every time I watch this film, my impression of it increases even more. I can't even believe the score was only 92. It's now gotta be at least a 95/100.

Quote - "SEX SLAVES!!"

What to watch for - Daniel Kaluuya is absolutely fantastic. I've had the pleasure of seeing him act live on stage for Blue/Orange. I've also seen him in "Skins" and "Black Mirror", and he is just excellent.

If you liked this movie, I'd recommend Blue/Orange!

Director: Jordan Peele
Distribution Company: Universal Pictures