Hooptober XII: 20/32

As a self proclaimed Jordan Peele fan, it comes with a spoonful of embarrassment that Get Out is the only one of his directed movies I’ve managed to see thus far. Us is certainly more of an outright horror film than Get Out in its structure and pacing, but it’s still brimming with thematic richness, and a smart sense of humor that stands tall over much of horror cinema. Immediately, I was reminded what a visually ambitious and striking filmmaker Jordan Peele is. His films have a way of taking a grip of its viewer through auteuristic shot selection, believably relatable characters, and an air of slick style that is clearly influenced by genre greats, while feeling simultaneously unique. 

Narratively, Us follows a fairly simple horror setup. But, it’s what lurks behind those easily recognizable beats that places it above most of the genre. Upon reflection, nearly every piece of visual and auditory information is intentional, feeling like a trail of bread crumbs to its ultimate, final scene reveal. Sadly, I managed to spoil the ending for myself a few years back, and while I didn’t have that mind blowing payoff so many had, it let me admire things overall from the jump, which wasn’t the worst. God damn that twist would’ve been so cool though!

Stylistically is where I am falling even deeper in love with Peele as a director. I adored the touches of late 80’s/early 90’s influence. From Luniz “I got 5 On It” being the central thematic song making me crack a nostalgic laugh, to a Hands Across America nod, Peele’s sharp wit shines through brilliantly in Us. Gonna sprint to watch Nope now. 
👯🏝️🚤✂️🩸🕳️