SPOILER FREELet me start by saying that prior to this movies release, I had no knowledge of this movies production nor its premise up until its release. I was mainly drawn to this film not only because of its surprise box office results, but the kind of critical acclaim it received along with its story pitch that sounds like a cross between a modern day version of Guess Who's Coming To Dinner mixed with Deliverance. The movie works best as being a twisted psychological thriller more so than being an actual horror film, which these days requires a great deal of blood and guts to be shown on the big screen. In order for a movie like Get Out to succeed, it needs to have a unique concept that relies on brains and pure talent to pull it off. The premise of the movie centers around an interracially mixed couple visiting the girlfriends Suburban parents in the Southern part of the United States, with the boyfriend soon discovering that something sinister is brewing within the estate, particularly with the girlfriends parents and the grip they have over their African-American servants, along with the fact that many African-Americans in the town have gone missing. Right off the bat, the film has the makings of a slick horror film, with the family of the girlfriend appearing to be highly suspicious and questionable, with the first impression coming off as being nervousness regarding their daughter dating someone out of her own race and their efforts to appease to him. What helps to sell the films ingenious concept, is the acting talent behind the films main stars with Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams turning in strong performances as the films mixed couple, who essentially play the horror version of Sidney Poitier and Katherine Houghton's characters from 1967s Guess Whose Coming To Dinner with the end result having a horror twist to it. Kaluuya nails the part of the loving boyfriend named Chris, whose nervous about meeting his girlfriend Rose's all white family at first despite her assurance that her family is the furthest thing from being racists. His ordeal with meeting the family ranges from him attempting to win their approval while trying to befriend the nearest African-American around in the town he can relate to, while slowly discovering that every person of color he comes across is acting strange as if they've been hypnotized with one warning him to "get out". Allison Williams does a terrific job of playing the loving girlfriend, who proudly introduces her boyfriend to her family while not quite noticing the strange things occurring around them at first. Williams characters parents played by The West Wings Bradley Whitford and 40 Year Old Virgins Catherine Keener, do masterful jobs of playing what seems like a warm and welcoming pair of parents on the outside, but secretly harbor creepy intentions deep down on the inside. In terms of supporting cast members, Caleb Landry leaves a creepy yet twisted performance as the girlfriends aggressive brother with Betty Gabriel being effective as the families household yet questionable maid. Perhaps the one supporting cast member whose not only effective but brings the much desired humor to the story to ease the tension of the plot is Daniels characters best friend played brilliantly by Lil Kel Howery, who steals the show in every scene he's in as he slowly puts the pieces of what's happening together and tries to warn his friend about his girlfriend's twisted family. As a psychological thriller and horror flick, Get Out works because of the brains that comes with it's clever concept along with it's social themes mixing with horror, thrills, and comedy to deliver audiences a unique but ultimately fun thrill ride. Get Out is the perfect example of all these ingredients working together such as a talented cast, brilliant writing, skillful directing from Jordan Peele, and a unique concept that blends a situation that's relatable to audiences in regards to having an interracial relationship, and the fear of meeting one's parents and desiring to seek their approval with a horror twist that takes audiences on an intense yet ultimately fun thrill ride. In an era where horror films and psychological thrillers rely more on blood and gore more so than brains to tell it's story, it's nice to see a psychological thriller/horror movie that takes itself seriously to a certain extent while having fun with it's concept.
Overall, Get Out remains a thriller that is most impressive with it's presentation as well as it's abilities to make it's audiences reflect on the scenario their witnessing in front of them on the big screen. The film beautifully combines issues and themes regarding racism, interracial dating, death of a parent, guilt, fear, and transplantation with clever subplots involving hypnosis and psychiatry being weaved into the story. The message of the film basically says that meeting a girlfriend's parents can be trying under any circumstances, although certain particular circumstances can make the event even more challenging and ultimately lethal. Get out is a unique combination of humor, scares and a scenario that's not only thought-provoking, but has the audience pause after watching it and reflect on the type of race relations that surrounds their daily lives. As a dark comedy/thriller/horror flick, Get Out works because of how it surprises audiences with it's quality along with rising to the occasion with presenting a concept that's unique and commands it's audience to think while being greatly entertained by it. The only major flaw that can be pointed out about the film is the fact that it feels as if it moves too quick at times, giving the impression that the story could've used more time to flesh out its interesting premise that comes with admirable twists, turns, and devastating revelations. Whereas there are few films that come out each year that leave lasting impressions upon their audiences, Get Out is poised to be one of those films that will have audiences praising it while pondering over it's well-blended social themes, that are incorporated into the story. While there is no control over how audiences will interpret the films hidden societal conflicts that blend into the story, the overall experience is bound to stay with them as the film not only figures out how to entertain it's audience, but also manages to engage them in the story that's dark, creepy, sadistic, and ultimately brilliant.
8.5 out of 10
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