It’s certainly possible that I’m a little tough to please. I can occasionally feel, and maybe even read as, a contrarian. Swooping in to tell you why the critics preferred drama, comedy, period piece, is overly serious and self serving. But some films transcend my cynicism, and my criticism. Sometimes despite massive critical praise I can’t bring my self to do anything but nod in admiration. Get Out is one of those films. What Jordan Peele gave on a surface level is a great film. But Get Out goes deeper than that, it’s had reverberating effects in pop culture and the industry as a whole. That’s what elevates this film from a great one to an unforgettable one. I’m excited that I was around to see the meteor like impact of the film and the ripples it created in popular media.
The first thing that struck me about Get Out was how beautifully this film is lit. The soft lights add a level of color to the film that makes it look crisp, clean, and immediately eye catching. This type of lighting approach, with how pristine it is, is a dangerous line to walk with a horror film. But Get Out is not a film that particularly relies on it’s grit, and so instead what is created is a sterile feel that ups the sense of dread bleeding all over the length of the film. Speaking of dread, the subtle and nerve racking score (provided by Michael Abels) helps to guide the emotions in a way you may not notice overtly, but your body will react to subconsciously. The film is shot in a equally clean but eye catching way.
Daniel Kaluuya shines in his starring role, producing an emotionally stirring performance. This Get Out is horribly unnerving and Kaluuya is horribly unnerved, helping to build the intensity of the situations he finds himself in. Allison Williams presents an ability to switch her emotions on a dime and elevates her character to something truly fascinating. The rest of the ensemble casting is appropriately compassionate in a horrid way.
But where this film truly shines is in Peele’s bitingly satirical screenplay. Under the guise of a horror comedy Peele takes focused shots at racism and complacency in modern America and presents them in ways that are both subtle and overt. Giving the film an immediate message but still leaving enough for you to uncover through multiple viewings. I did feel that the climax is maybe a little less clever than the intricate visual storytelling of the hour plus that preceded it. Instead opting for something a little more blunt and visceral, falling in line with other films in the genre. But this is such a minor complaint, and despite not wrapping up it’s themes in the clearest way, gives you some edge of your seat action to ride out to the conclusion.
I don’t have much more to say about Get Out other than to again state that this film is one of the most clever and thought provoking horror films I’ve ever seen. What Peele has created is something that is going to be remembered for it’s bold vision and will surely influenced not only scores of future horror buffs, but filmmakers of all races and ethnicities. A must see film that’s greatness can only grow as other artists adopt it’s themes to their own ideas.