“Get Out” is a well thought-out, stirring masterpiece that brings more meaning to the screen than any other mindless thriller, leaving audience members’ eyes open to the symbolic truth of American racism.
It tells a story of a young African-American man, Chris (Daniel Kaluuya, “Sicario”) and his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams, “Girls”), who reach the inevitable milestone of meeting the parents. Although Chris is anxious about how her parents will react to their interracial relationship, he is greeted by overpowering hospitality, questionable happenings and disturbing discoveries as he learns the real reason behind his invitation four months into their relationship.
Directed by Jordan Peele (“Key and Peele”), the product of this movie reaches outside of his well-known comedy skits and into a twisted mind of “we voted for Obama” racism. It was Peele’s feature directorial debut that added a new genre to his portfolio. He showed audience members the perspective of a black man in a predominately white neighborhood and the horror of liberal racism, which has rarely been shown in this genre as a “social thriller” before.
What was not a surprise from Peele’s selection was the implementation of the character Rod Williams (LilRel Howery, “The Carmichael Show”) who plays Chris’ best friend and the comic relief. His role in the movie is crucial and gives a blunt, entertaining interpretation of racist stereotypes. This contrast between Chris’ friend and Chris’ unanticipated encounters at his girlfriend’s parents’ house allows audience members to sit back and take a deep breath to really enjoy the development of the plot.
The meaning behind the title “Get Out” is made clear in a plot-changing scene that offers the phrase to the main character as more of a warning than a command. The trailer displayed snapshots of the entirety of movie’s plot, including some scenes that are not featured in the film. Yet, it still left viewers with insecurities over what to expect and a desire to know more. The film’s ending fulfills their desire with an unexpected outcome.
The cinematography and music play a big role in being home, the feeling of helplessness and the question of reality. The music keeps the traditional thrill seeking shrills, yet adds a mash of eerie noises to hint at the main character’s suspicion.
Overall, it highlights the psychological phenomena in the plot, which heightens the audiences’ uneasy feelings over Chris’ presence in the house. The cinematography used teases the audience as the storyline continues. The visuals and editing are unlike any conventional thriller.
The character development is mainly stagnant throughout the film, which allows the audience to guess what happens next. Some might consider it too predictable, but it takes more time to develop the plot, which allows the movie to have more meaning.
Although the film leaves the viewers with questions, it allows people to think about the symbolism and meaning behind this two-hour psychotic episode. It makes people consider social issues in the world that are not necessarily told in the headlines of mainstream media. It is a symbolic reference to American slavery. This piece is impactful, well thought-out and thrilling.
