Kyle Says Us is A Brilliant Piece of Horror
Jordan Peele came onto the scene in a groundbreaking way with his directorial debut Get Out. He won an Oscar for writing and crafted an incredibly deep film that gives something new with every viewing. Now he is back with his next film, Us, another expertly told story with multiple layers.
Us tells a new tale in which a family goes on a trip to their vacation home. While there, strange coincidences keep occurring. That night another family shows up at the door and they mirror each other. They look alike, they think alike, and their goal is to kill the main family. What was once a family vacation is now a nightmare and chaos ensues. This is a difficult concept to explain without revealing too much but, trust me, the build-up is well worth it. What makes Jordan Peele stand out, is that he has something to say and finds an interesting way to do so. He manipulates the audience without them even noticing. He keeps them in a constant state of suspense, never knowing whether to expect a laugh or pure terror. You never know what he is going to do next and yet you never want it to end.
Lupita Nyong’o is the protagonist and antagonist, which allows her to do some incredible things. The emotion she conveys is truly astounding. She unsettles us by being both the hero and the villain. She is an Oscar-winning actress and should have another nomination for this role. Winston Duke plays the husband and he is essentially the ‘Rod Williams’ character from Get Out, just more fleshed out. He is primarily there for comedic relief and is brilliant at being funny. The children played by Evan Alex and Shahadi Wright Joseph are also great. Every member of the core cast felt like a family thanks to the wonderful performances.
In the film Us, the family is in circumstances where they must battle clones of themselves. With this concept, Peele is able to convey the central theme, which is that we are our own worst enemy. This is true in both physical and psychological forms. Of course, in physical they have altercations involving violence, but psychologically, how do you beat yourself? You know every move you are going to make and how to stop it and eventually, you must kill yourself. This is a metaphor for real life as well. In most goals and accomplishments we seek in life, we usually stand in our own way. We procrastinate, make excuses, and give up which is to our own detriment. Us gives us a glimpse of that message in the extreme.
Us is another Jordan Peele classic that will be constantly discussed. The terror you feel is palpable, yet it also provides some laughs and a dramatic score provided by Michael Abels. Peele will not hold your hand throughout this film and it provides for a thrilling movie experience.