Get Out
Get Out is a film whose writing is of the highest calibre, whose visuals are absolutely top-notch, whose recurring motifs and metaphors are some of the most poignant I've ever seen - somehow driving home the message in a way that is unapologetically direct, and yet filled to the brim with subtext.
And all of that praise could almost make you forget that it's also damn scary.
The amount of high praise I want to give this film simply couldn't be fully transmitted through a simple review.
Peele manages to juggle so many different aspects of filmmaking so incredibly well. The Cinematography is breathtaking at times, the pacing is magnificent, and the design of every little aspect is meticulously detailed.
The film's Oscar win for best original screenplay is very well deserved, and this film has one of the most clever scripts that I have personally encountered. The way this film manages to foreshadow throughout while directly tying the dialogue up with the core theme creates a film that's almost fully in harmony between its message and the way it is portrayed, and the dialogue isn't only a clear indication of the racism of the Armitage family and their peers, but is also a constant evolution of the script and the twist, in a way that can only be fully appreciated after the credits roll, and also, magnificently so, enhances the message even more.
That isn't to say that this comes without compromise. Truth be told, some logical elements of the story later on become a little fuzzy, and once the entire picture is made clear, it creates some glaring questions about the logic in which this world operates. Specifically, the behaviours of the different black people around the Armitage family, as well as everything regarding the effect of the flashlight, could have been explained in a way that sealed the holes that are opened once you see what truly happens in their minds.
Overall, though that is a pet peeve created by the script, it isn't enough to take away from its genius, especially considering that it does enhance the core message of the film. Jordan Peele simply sacrificed a bit of in-world logic for the sake of a stronger thematic element, which is a sin that can be forgiven.
Really, everything that relates to the message is quite wonderful.
Usually, a film this direct in its message risks alienating viewers, becoming preachy and lecturing.
But Jordan Peele does it in a way that is also filled to the brim with subtext and metaphors, and even the direct lines work so well within the story that it is never not amazingly entertaining.
The acting is also really incredible here - Daniel Kaluuya's performance is mesmerising and harrowing in the best way possible, and Allison Williams is chilling in her portrayal of Rose.
And it's honestly just scary. not in the form of any jumpscares or anything of the sort, but rather just the creeping eeriness that never really goes away. Peele's mastery of the art of horror is not one to be taken lightly (and I am going to sound like a broken record here, but once again, the way this combines directly with racism is astonishing)
The ending is another thing to write home about (Spoilers). The arrival of the Police vehicle is perfectly put, as in that one moment, every single viewer thinks the exact same thing. It didn't need to be said out loud, so even with the cathartic end of Rod being in the vehicle, it serves as the final psychological nail in the coffin of this thriller.
And on another note, I find the theatrical ending better than the alternate ending, as it drives home the point even better, by using that moment between the flashing sirens to Rod exiting the vehicle to make every single person watching this film imagine that alternate ending, only to then give the release once Rod appears on screen.
I feel it's stronger that way, and leaving it all to imagination makes you think even more than you would otherwise.
This film really may be one of the most perfect works of horror out there. It does everything it sets out to do so unfathomably well, while presenting a moving critique of racism, the old slavery based kind as well as the modern, subtle kind, being fueled by an amazing script, amazing director and amazing actors. Truly - amazing