The Film Reports

Rating: 5/5

Horror, Mystery, Thriller

SPOILERS, Please do not read if you’re avoiding spoilers. I haven’t spoiled everything but there is one major spoiler. SPOILER.

Jordan Peele’s directorial debut is excellent. Get Out is a horror/thriller/spoof (slash comedy?? according to the Golden Globes) that follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) as he meets his girlfriend’s family for the first time at their isolated manor in the middle of nowhere. Once there, the parents (played by Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford) remind them that their annual party will take place that same weekend and so Chris will get to meet all of their closest friends and family.

The beauty of this film is in it’s simplicity. This is a simple story elevated by its actors, by its script. It’s elegant, sophisticated. The simplicity of the plot really allows it to be amped up to another level. We have time to get to know Rose as Chris’ loving girlfriend. we have time to be weirded out by the strange mannerisms of the Armitage family’s guests. And then we have time to really feel the horror of their family secret. And in between is the solid relationships between the characters. Chris and Rod’s friendship is believable (and provides some light humour) despite only sharing a single scene. Chris’ relationship with Rose seems strong, especially when she brings up topics like “is her family racist?” and “that police officer is racially profiling Chris” and “her family are treating Chris differently by virtue of pretending to be black”.

That’s another thing I really appreciate about this film – it really dives into aspects of being a black man having a white girlfriend. Or rather, just what its like being a black man surrounded by white people. There’s a specific dialogue Chris says at one point, that when he’s surrounded by white people, sometimes he feels a little nervous. This horror film is built on reality. That is what makes it so effective. (I’m sure you already knew that though.) I don’t remember watching another film that is so honest about being a POC, and specifically black, so this was interesting and definitely a new viewpoint for me.

There were also some scenes that, when isolated, may lead a person to conclude that this is a comedy. When Chris goes to spud another black man, and he responds with a high five. Or a lot of Rod’s dialogue. This is definitely not a comedy but these scenes were nice, to break up some of the tension. 

Another asset of this film is the acting. It’s phenomenal. Daniel Kaluuya is incredible, and this becomes more obvious in the latter half when he’s realised something is wrong. It’s a subtle thing and perhaps a partnership of being his talent and Jordan Peele’s writing. Chris’ reaction never seems to be too much, or too less, or too unrealistic. It’s directly exactly what the audience is feeling. I think it was Jordan Peele himself that said that the audience is experiencing it through Chris and it’s so true. Allison Williams is also splendid as both halves of her character. She’s warm and likeable as Chris’ girlfriend and then absolutely incredible when she switches. There’s one scene in particular that stands out. When a phonecall from a worried Rod showcases Rose’s voice, trembling in fear and worry, and then the camera switching to Rose at the Armitage house, as she sits expressionless. There were so many, too many to list, little scenes that were so wonderfully done.

My verdict? I wish I had seen it sooner.

Watch: at night, with friends.