Comedy genius Jordan Peele made his directorial debut in thrilling horror film Get Out last year, which was met by thunderous critical approval, as well as an Oscar for outstanding writing. I’m not personally a fan of horror films. Call me generalist (or a wimp), but my image of a horror film involves someone being dragged through a dimly lit room screaming, by something you can’t see; or a pale girl in a tattered dress walking menacingly in the distance behind a protagonist with a high pitched brass note behind it. Despite that predisposition, I absolutely loved Get Out. It completely turned the stereotypical image of a horror film on it’s head, and made for one of the most pulsating movies I’ve ever seen.
I want to be clear. Get Out is terrifying, but that’s not always the same thing as scary. Off the top of my head, I can think of some three jump scares in the entirety of a 1 and three-quarter hour long horror film. The film isn’t scary in the way traditional horror fans might be accustomed to, but that doesn’t stop it from being the creepiest movie ever. There were moments in the film where I actually needed to pause it to recollect myself, with Peele’s masterful screenplay building such unbearably gripping tension and undeniable creepiness that I was almost laughing at how damn good it was. Such a good use of close-in shots and stunning performances, even from supporting cast members, that really hit home the out-of-your-skin kind of scary that they were going for.
I can’t emphasize how good Peele’s writing and directing on this film was, only by saying that he probably should have got the Oscar best Director as well. Unlike most standalone films, this one has the capacity to be spoiled for people, so I’ll just say this, without giving anything away. When you watch this film, the moment it ends, watch it again. Or at the first convenient time. Pay attention to the character’s actions, the choices they make during the film. By knowing what happens next, it’ll make your skin crawl when you glean the motivations and plans that they had, which is another testament to the cast. Daniel Kaluuya was inspired, giving off a nervous, suspicious air that was so relatable I wanted to scream for him throughout the film. One of my favorite actors, Bradley Whitford, was exceptional as per usual; joined by on screen wife Catherine Keener, who made only her second, and most convincing appearance as a diabolical psycho witch. I’ve already mentioned the incredible performance from most of the supporting cast, who were an instrumental in the creation of that insanely creepy energy, but the star of the show, in my opinion, was Allison Williams, who’s double-edged-sword of a character was the scarily convincing performance I’ve seen in as long as I can remember, especially from someone who’s spent the line share of their career in sitcoms. I really can’t say more without giving anything away. You have no idea how much I want to.
The biggest difference between this film and your average horror (or at least my concept of a horror), was the weight of social issue addressed in the film. The film tackles racism in a way that I personally have never seen before, and in the context of a story I don’t know that the world has ever seen before. I just don’t think I’ve seen a story that’s so unique, so compelling, and so well written all at the same time. Jordan Peele deserves our highest respect. He’s made a film riddled with suspense, full of twists and turns, and more compelling than most and he’s done it under the guise of a horror film, a genre that I genuinely thought was a lost cause in my eyes. I would strongly recommend it to anyone, even those who, like me, don’t take horror with their tea. Almost especially them, as it might even turn some people around on a whole genre of film. Without a doubt one of the best film released over the past couple years, and, in my opinion, as a result of it’s layered, pulsating storyline and characters, one of my favourite films.
– Aman Datta
Aman’s Rating: 86/100 Aryamaan’s Rating: 78/100
Assistant Director's Film Reviews 