Get Out (2017)

Directed by Jordan Peele, »Get Out« (2017) is an audacious horror film that artfully combines traditional scares with sharp social commentary, primarily focusing on racism in contemporary America.

The movie revolves around an interracial couple, Chris and Rose, who visit Rose's parents in a secluded suburban neighborhood. The suspense intensifies with the behavior of the strangely subservient Black housekeeper and groundskeeper, eventually leading Chris into a horrific labyrinth of racism and oppression.

One of the most significant aspects of »Get Out« is its nuanced approach to the subject of racism. Peele cleverly exposes the liberal racism prevalent in enlightened societies, dismantling the myth of post-racial America. The plot's supernatural elements serve as metaphors for the commodification of Black bodies and the appropriation of Black culture, striking a delicate balance between horror and satire.

Leading actor Daniel Kaluuya offers a stand-out performance, effectively emphasizing Chris’s struggle with naive trust, paranoia, and survival instinct. Peele also includes the unique character of Rod (played by Lil Rel Howery), who provides vital comic relief, contrasting the intense horror scenes while remaining integral to the plot’s progression.

Visually, Peele pays homage to horror classics such as »The Stepford Wives« and »Rosemary’s Baby«, while creating a distinctive aesthetic using symbols and motifs that echo the racial themes. The liberal use of vibrant colors in specific scenes, like red, white, and blue, signal danger ahead while reflecting American society's darker shades.

Of particular note, the »Sunken Place« serves as a powerful symbol for the system of oppression that silences Black voices and controls Black bodies, rendering them passive spectators in their lives. It refers to Chris's hypnotic trance, representing a terrifying metaphorical realm where control is ceded from the individual.

The screenplay deserves special mention for its complexity and sharpness. From the shocking opening sequence to the unexpected final scenes, every line and shot in the film is carefully constructed to contribute to the overarching narrative. The repeated line, »a mind is a terrible thing to waste,« takes on chilling significance as the plot unfolds.

The film also uses chilling music and sound effects to draw emotions revealing the horror lying under the mood of seemingly normal conversation or establishing the tone of the overall plot.

In conclusion, »Get Out« is a ground-breaking piece of cinema that intelligently merges traditional horror elements with social satire, resulting in a thought-provoking and chilling critique of racial discrimination in contemporary society. A brilliant directorial debut from Jordan Peele, this film sets a high standard for socially conscious horror, inviting viewers to inspect deeply ingrained prejudices while indulging in the genre's suspenseful and terrifying delights.