Get Out

When I first saw the trailer for Get Out back in 2016, I thought it was a good premise, but I figured I would likely wait until it was released on DVD to see it. One possible contributing factor to my initial hesitation was that I had noticed the film’s production company was none other than Blumhouse Productions. Blumhouse undoubtedly had some good, even great films up to that point, two that come to mind that had been released to that point were Whiplash and Hush, but more often than not, I felt that their projects released were of subpar quality, most notably with the latter Paranormal Activity sequels. However, around the time of the film’s release, it was getting critical acclaim across the board. At one point, the film garnered a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, meaning every critic that saw it recommended it. So, on a cold opening night in February of 2017, I bought a ticket, and to say I was pleasantly surprised would be putting it lightly, to say the absolute least.

To start, this is a horror movie, so it only seems appropriate to go over the horror elements of the film first. The horror and suspense in this film are both flawlessly executed. Whether it’s the psychological horror that builds suspense and curiosity throughout the first two acts of the movie, or the more violent and gory horror during the film’s final half hour, Jordan Peele showcases through his direction, screenplay, and visuals that he definitely wants you to be on the edge of your seat at all times.

Speaking of Mr. Peele, his background as a sketch comedian comes through to provide some comedic relief between the more chilling parts of the movie. In particular, Lil Rel Howery has a standout performance as TSA agent Rod, stealing every scene he’s featured in in his feature film debut, and his line delivery makes it no surprise to see him in other similar roles in films like Bird Box and Free Guy. 

As a matter of fact, the performances in Get Out as a whole are spectacular. British actor Daniel Kaluuya is fantastic as our protagonist Chris, and it’s evident Kaluuya meshed well with Peele on set, as he also starred in Peele’s 2022 film Nope. Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, and, especially, Catherine Keener all play great antagonists, with each of the three getting their own time in the spotlight to show their distinct personalities. I said especially in reference to Catherine Keener because I feel that both she and Kaluuya share the best scene of the film: the iconic scene in which Chris falls into the sunken place for the first time, without even realizing it.

The last topic I wanted to discuss about Get Out before jumping into my conclusion is Peele’s screenplay, and, more specifically, his use of foreshadowing. Peele ingeniously lays hints throughout the movie about what twists and turns in the story will come next, so much so that you might be led to believe that he is a veteran director. However, this is his directorial debut! Not many first time directors can hit the ground running quite like Jordan Peele did with Get Out.

Get Out is not only a fantastic horror movie, but a fantastic movie regardless of genre, and the film catapulted the careers of many of its cast and crew. It deals with themes and ideas such as love, betrayal, trauma, and systemic racism, the latter of which unfortunately has only become more prevalent and more divisive since the film’s release in early 2017. If you want a thought-provoking, compelling, and all in all thrilling movie to watch, I would say Get Out should be near, if not at, the top of your watchlist.