Get Out

Most of you know the comic genius of the Key and Peele duo: Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele.  Although the men are talented comedians—both in the business for some time before hitting stardom on the comedy sketch show, “MadTV,” then hitting the television waves with their own show: “Key and Peele”—Jordan Peele has made a name for himself lately as a film director.  In fact, his only directorial job so far has been the praised film we’re going to talk about today…Get Out.

It’s time for a young African-American, Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), to meet the parents of his white girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), for a weekend visit at their secluded estate in the woods.  But before long, the friendly and polite ambience will give way to a nightmare.

For a first time director—let alone, horror movie director—Jordan Peele definitely knows how to set the mood and arranges it eerily so in Get Out.  Although some of the tropes featured in the beginning structure of the story are typical thriller clichés, Peele tracks it well and fits it into the film without making it stick out like a sore thumb.  For example, at the beginning of the film, the young couple, Chris and Rose, is on their way to the parents’ home and something shocking happens to act as an omen.  There’s no rhyme or reason to it, nor does it spell out anything in particular, but before you have time to think about it, Peele’s setting up the next scene to make you invest your feelings into what’s coming next.  He doesn’t allow the audience to dwell upon certain scenes that may or may not be stereotypical or overly dramatic, he just keeps the story moving along to keep our brains busy.

Racism is definitely in the forefront of this story, going from Chris’s concern that Rose should tell her parents about him, to the parents'—especially the dad—over-acceptance of their daughter’s boyfriend, to the obvious majority of Caucasian people throughout the story…it’s constantly there and brought to attention at times in the most uncomfortable way.  The typical dialogue that white people seem to fall back on, to try—and fail—and fit in with an African-American is amusingly used here (Rose’s dad says he’d vote for Obama for a third term if he could is one of the many uncomfortable conversations you’ll hear), yet it gives the movie an even more unnerving undertone and making us worry for the central character of Chris.

I’ve got to say that the performances of Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford as Rose’s parents, the Armitages, were probably the two that I’d accepted right away.  With the setting at their home, which is in the middle of some woods and far from any neighbors (as mentioned by Mr. Armitage himself), it’s believable to think that they’d truly be out of touch with society and to be as odd as they are when Chris first meets them.  Keener and Whitford play the open-armed parents beautifully, making it the only time we—the audience—truly feel at ease...or vulnerable.

It’s when we meet the rest of the main cast that we start to feel something’s amiss, especially with the hired help: Walter (Marcus Henderson) and Georgina (Betty Gabriel).  Walter is introduced as the groundskeeper and Georgina as the help around the house.  Of course, ones thought will go to how it seems a bit racist to have African-Americans as servants, but Mr. Armitage actually gives an acceptable explanation that the two were around and helped with the grandparents when they were on hospice care, explaining that they were like family and didn’t want them to go after the grandparents passed on.  Fair enough…but the strange actions of Walter and Georgina are what really show something’s not right at the estate.  And how could I forget Rose’s brother, Jeremy (Caleb Landry Jones)?  The over-aggressive, yet accepting way, he treats Chris during their first dinner together is a little off-putting and sets the tone for his relationship with him. 

Yes, Jordan Peele plays this out perfectly, making the audience wonder just what they hell is going on with everybody surrounding the Armitages throughout the story.  When remembering certain parts of the film, or rewatching it, Peele actually puts subtle hints of foreshadowing that really get under your skin once you get to the third act of this film.

Of course, what every horror movie needs is some comedy interspersed throughout and that’s where Chris’s friend, Rod (LilRel Howery), comes in.  Rod is Chris’s friend who works for TSA at the airport and is housesitting for him while he’s away.  I can’t help but think this part should’ve gone to Peele himself, but Howery is hilarious in the short scenes that he’s featured in.

Is there anything I can nitpick about Get Out?  Well…yeah.  But…it’ll give away the twist of the story, so I really don’t want to divulge that. 

I’m actually glad that I stayed away from spoilers before going into it and stayed away from web sites and YouTube channels that discussed the movie.  Going into this cold is the best thing one can do and you’ll thank yourself for it.  I really had no idea what was going to happen and it made the experience that much more exciting.

Lastly, I’ll say that I had really enjoyed Daniel Kaluuya’s performance as Chris, how levelheaded he played the part and the emotion he displayed during some of the tough scenes, were great.  Although he has quite a résumé in film and television, this is the first time I’ve witnessed his acting.  He’s set to be in Marvel Studio’s The Black Panther next year, so I look forward to following his career.

So…what’s my final “bit” on Get Out?

I’m so blown away by Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, I can’t say it enough.  After watching this, I thought for sure Peele’s been a seasoned veteran of helming productions.  But, for being a first time director, and to take charge of such a great movie, I have to applaud him fervently.  So many great touches here and there, the lighting used so well, the perfect settings, and such a slight connotation of awkwardness brought out by the actors…all blends together and turns into an amazing film.  I’m looking forward to seeing what Jordan Peele does next.  You need to see this film.

Thanks for reading!

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