'Get Out' Movie Review: 'The First Must-See Film of the Year'
A good horror movie is hard to find. From monster films to possession flicks to torture porn to slasher movies, we've seen it all. Now, Jordan Peele's directorial film debut has changed the game. This weekend, America will be saying with excitement, "Did you see Get Out? You have to see it!" Well-written with smart commentary, Get Out is the best horror movie of the past ten years and, outside of the genre, it's a damn good film.
Get Out is in theaters tomorrow.
Get Out stars Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams as Chris and Rose, an interracial couple who travel to Rose's parents' house for the weekend. Without giving away the plot, absolute chaos ensues. Get Out isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. The film uses basic horror movie formulas: loud music to make you jump, random people staring and a thrilling plot twist. However, the ultimate twist of Get Out is the element of race. In the majority of horror films, race doesn't exist. There is the Black best friend or the lone Black character who gets killed off in the first two minutes, but color is nonexistent. Jordan Peele perfectly interjected the complexity of racial fetishes, trite liberalism and code-switching. With nuanced jokes and critiques that are not so in-your-face, Get Out manages to simultaneously educate and disturb you.
Another plus to Get Out is the talented unknown actors like Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Lil Rel Howery and Marcus Henderson. Peele didn't go for A-listers but highlighted some acting chops that shined even through a horror flick — and we all know horror films aren't famous for outstanding performances.
Get Out has already received stupid criticism that the film is racist, which is laughable. Maybe it's Peele's diverse background, but he managed to toe a line of Black and white, healthy fear and paranoia and, quite brilliantly, turned the mirror on all audiences, regardless of color. But this is the result of diversity in front of and behind the camera. I am certain some Hollywood exec thought a movie like this would "never" sell. Not only will it sell, but I predict Peele’s movie will blow up the box office this weekend. Get Out is the first must-see film of the year. Now, like any good horror film, movie studios will attempt to copy Get Out's wit — and that is what scares the hell out of me.
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Watch the trailer for Get Out below:
