Get Out (2017): A Riveting Exploration of Social Commentary and Psychological Horror

A Touchstone Media Review

Jordan Peele's directorial debut, “Get Out”, is a ground-breaking film that defies genre conventions and challenges societal norms with its sharp wit, biting satire, and spine-tingling suspense. Blending elements of horror, comedy, and social commentary, the film offers a thought-provoking examination of race relations in America while delivering a gripping and suspenseful narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

At its core, "Get Out" is a film about the insidious nature of racism and the ways in which it manifests in everyday life. Peele uses the horror genre as a vehicle to explore these themes, creating a chilling and unsettling atmosphere that serves as a mirror to society's deepest fears and anxieties. From the eerie suburban setting to the sinister undertones lurking beneath the surface, the film masterfully builds tension and suspense, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.

Central to the film's success is Daniel Kaluuya's riveting performance as Chris Washington, a young African American man who uncovers a disturbing secret while visiting his white girlfriend's family estate. Kaluuya brings a sense of vulnerability and authenticity to the role, capturing Chris's growing unease and paranoia with raw emotion and intensity. As Chris navigates the twisted web of deceit and manipulation surrounding him, Kaluuya's performance anchors the film, grounding it in a sense of emotional truth that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll.

Opposite Kaluuya is Allison Williams as Rose Armitage, Chris's girlfriend whose seemingly perfect family harbors dark secrets beneath their polite facade. Williams delivers a nuanced performance that balances charm and menace, keeping viewers guessing about her true intentions until the film's shocking climax. As Rose's facade begins to unravel, Williams reveals layers of complexity and ambiguity, adding depth to a character who is as enigmatic as she is alluring.

Visually, "Get Out" is a tour de force of cinematography and visual storytelling, with director of photography Toby Oliver capturing the film's haunting imagery with precision and artistry. From the hypnotic visuals of the film's infamous "sunken place" to the eerie beauty of the Armitage estate, Oliver's lensing creates a sense of atmosphere and mood that immerses viewers in the film's nightmarish world.

Complementing the film's visuals is a haunting score by composer Michael Abels, which underscores the film's themes of isolation, paranoia, and racial tension with chilling precision. Abels' music heightens the film's suspense and tension, adding layers of depth and complexity to Peele's already richly layered storytelling.

Thematically, "Get Out" is a searing indictment of the racism and microaggressions that pervade American society, as well as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of oppression. Peele's screenplay is a masterclass in social commentary, offering a scathing critique of systemic racism while also delivering a thrilling and suspenseful narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.