By BRENDAN O’DWYER
Contributing Writer
Jordan Peele’s new horror film, “Us” is not in any way shape or form a sequel to “Get Out.” I just needed to get that out of the way before I started this review. Now, if you are looking for a simple answer to whether or not you should go see “Us,” I can do that for you: Yes, you should definitely go see “Us” in theatres (I even recommend spending the extra five bucks to see it in IMAX). However, if you are in search of a more in depth review that will be loaded with personal opinions, please read on.
I would like to start by shining some light on the often overseen aspects of film making that are arguably most important in horror films. Michael Abels score is truly unsettling and perfectly executed to its potential through the film. I would also like to say that Mike Gioulakis’ cinematography throughout the entire film is beautiful but especially the first fifteen or so minutes.
The film opens on the Santa Cruz boardwalk and being from the Jersey Shore, it really brought the whole type of scene that I know and love to life: the impossible-to-win games, the blinking neon lights, the hustle and bustle of hundreds of people all trying to enjoy their summers. Every shot is extremely well thought out and sets the stage for a horror movie that’s different from the usual fodder of the genre.
While I am quick to remind that “Us” is absolutely not a sequel, I will say that “Us” and Peele’s Academy Award winning “Get Out” both take themselves more seriously than other films in the horror genre have in late. And that is well earned, both films effectively keep the viewer engaged with stories that are wildly imaginative and at the same time not too far out there that the audience feels completely removed. These events could never happen, unless they do. This style of storytelling is quite similar to Rod Serling’s “The Twilight Zone,” which makes the CBS All Access reboot even more exciting with Peele as the host. “Us” is the story of a family away on summer vacation as they start to be terrorized by the evil versions of themselves. “Us” manages to scare and creep out the audience without fully relying on cheap jump scares, and where they are used, they are more than well earned. What takes place is a sort of home invasion movie that somehow manages to be fresh when that subgenre is completely over saturated. It would be wrong of me not to bring up that there are a few holes in the plot but they are not only few and far between but totally fall under the assumed suspension of disbelief when you sit in the theatre chair. Having the family be terrorized by their dopplegangers allows the actors to show their range by getting to portray the light and dark side of a person. Lupita Nyong’o is in full force in this movie in what I am willing to bet will be one of the best performances in film of the year. Whether or not she will be nominated for this feat is another story (See Toni Collette in Ari Aster’s Hereditary).
Jordan Peele once again made a horror flick that redefines what horror can be, I do not want to get too deep into the intricate plot of the film but instead just hope that you go and see it for yourself. “Us” is one of those movies that people will be talking about for a long time and you certainly do not want to be left out of the conversation.
