The Horror Show
Us
by Jordan Peele
Are we our own worst enemies? This question has been asked in many films, books, and other works of art over the years, and it’s most recently addressed in Jordan Peele’s latest release Us. After the success of 2017’s Get Out, it was no wonder that the world was waiting with outstretched arms for another Peele horror film.
While Get Out was more of a social commentary on racism in today’s world, I found that Us focused more on classism and envy. We often tend to put ourselves into these boxes of us vs them regarding either what we have/what others have or who we are that makes us different as opposed to what we might possibly have in common. We also have a tendency to believe that the grass is perpetually greener on all other sides of the box we put ourselves in.
I found that this movie explored the subject matter in a unique way that incorporated beautiful cinematography, excellent choreography, a perfect accompanying score, and a surprisingly great mash-up of horror subgenres. I say surprisingly great because the movie takes a few turns as the plot progresses into unexpected territory. Not so much twists that you didn’t see coming, but additional elements that are sprinkled into the overall mix that you wouldn’t expect in a simple, evil doppelganger movie. But this movie, as you’d expect from Jordan Peele, is anything but simple.
I think it’s best to watch the movie knowing as little as possible, only viewing the trailer and not reading any more into it. It worked well this way for me as well as a few other people I’ve spoken to. You can enjoy the story as it unfolds as opposed to picking it apart for what you were told it was going to be. So, for that reason, I’m not going to delve into plot points or storyline. I want my readers to experience it for themselves and enjoy it for what they think it is.
I mentioned earlier that the cinematography, score, and choreography were brilliant, and I can’t express enough how much I love when visuals are blended seamlessly with sound. Often times, if creators can achieve this level of execution, words aren’t even necessary. I’d absolutely watch a short film of the final act with zero dialogue. So, if anyone can just make that happen for me because I suck at video editing, that would be cool.
I have to also applaud Lupita Nyong’o who played the film’s main character(s). While all the actors truly brought their A-Game, especially eldest child of the Wilson family, Zora (played by Shahadi Wright Joseph), Lupita truly was the shining star. Despite the comedy laced throughout the film, which was to be expected, when Nyong’o’s “other,” Red, took center stage, you paid attention and you truly experienced the darkness and resentment at the heart of that character.
Like I said earlier, there is a great mash-up of horror subgenres, but I’ll let you find out which ones for yourselves. I’ll give you a hint for one: it’s one of my favorites.
Now, the film doesn’t come without its flaws. There are few perfect things in this world. I’d say that the first thirty minutes or so after the childhood intro kind of drags and the pacing, compared to the rest of the film, is a bit off. As opposed to a subtle build, it was more like a rock suddenly disturbing the surface of a still pond. Though an abrupt change of pace isn’t necessarily bad, I would have preferred things to pick up a bit sooner.
So, in conclusion, if you haven’t yet seen Us, get your ass out to the theater and watch it! If you have, what do you think? Let me know, I’d love to discuss it. Because I have seen the enemy, and they are us.
Stevie Kopas, HMS
The Horror Show Menu.