Get Out

Get Out is the debut feature from Jordan Peele and could easily be an episode of Black Mirror. Get Out contains one hell of a premise. Photographer Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) is nervous about an upcoming trip to meet the parents of his preppy girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams). He seems up for it but questions if they know if it is an interracial relationship. However, when they arrive and get settled, all seems fine. Well, outside of some awkward, but well meaning, comments from Rose’s father (Bradley Whitford) (he would have voted Obama for a third term if he could). But things begin to sour as Chris notices some strange occurrences in the neighbourhood, as the other black residents act very creepily and as if sedated. His suspicions are further abated by a bizarre evening with Rose’s mother, (Catherine Keener) who tries to hypnotise him and convince him to stop smoking. As his Rear Window-esque investigation begins (armed with his long-lense camera, a la James Stewart), Chris soon discovers a much darker secret that his girlfriend’s family is keeping.  

Peele has noted the influence of The Stepford Wives on Get Out with the added racial angle, morphing into what the director calls a “social thriller”. Horror has always had a political and social element but this is one of Get Out’s most lauded attributes. In my opinion, I think horror is the best genre to reflect societal fears and contemporary concerns. I originally wrote a lengthy paragraph about this, briefly looking through the history of horror, as the opening paragraph to this review but I have decided to save it for a full article. The metaphorical nature of horror, as opposed to a dry, realistic drama, can create scenarios and rich thematic material for an unforgettable experience (which I will elaborate on in my full article). Get Out understands this to a tee but instead puts its social issues at the forefront. What better way to show the damage of racism than through the horror genre (film ultimately cannot get to the terrible reality of the issue but it can certainly try to reflect and comment). 

Get Out tries to touch upon the effects of casual racism and liberal ignorance. Not the hillbillies of the South or the alt-right Neo Nazis of Green Room but rich, white, liberal Americans are the villains here. Chris smiles and grits his teeth as the neighbourhood make racist assumptions about his interests and physical traits. Even worse, Rose’s father keeps two black servants, Walter (Marcus Henderson) and Georgina (Betty Gabriel). He admits how bad it looks but states that he couldn't bare to part with them after his parents’ death after they looked after them. But after a few choice encounters and conversations reveal there is something far more sinister at work here. The film very effectively builds up Chris’ paranoia, especially when he starts joining the dots to reach his ultimate conclusion. Probably my favourite section of the film is where Chris is awkwardly introduced to all the various family members and friends, the framing and editing reflecting the bombardment of cliches and assumptions. Daniel Karluuya is excellent as Chris, willing to accept the awkwardness at first before diving into a much darker part of his sub-conscious and looking for a way out. Surprisingly, the film is very funny considering its serious material. It's not quite Black Sheep or You're Next (a personal fav) levels but it does help to reinforce the human nature of the characters. Sometimes, you just can't help but laugh. Most of the laughs are supplied by Lil Rey Howery in a great performance as Chris’ best friend Rod. He gives him advice and tips and actually plays a very active part in the story. 

Get Out is a visceral ride and you'll barely notice its running time. due to its great pacing. The direction is incredibly assured and the social satire is dead one. There is a key twist in the middle of the film which fortunately has been ruined too much by the internet and the trailers, so I want to keep this review brief as it is just best experienced with as little knowledge as possible. Get Out serves as a great launchpad for a discussion about racism but it's also a great horror film. The success of Get Out pleases me greatly – it shows a desire for a more intelligent kind of horror film and how socially conscious the genre has always been. 

Rating: 9/10