Get Out - Review




R: February 24th, 2017 | R: 104 minutes | R: R

“Get Out” is going to be one of this year’s top films to beat. A comical and suspenseful thriller, the film centers around the awkward, uncomfortable, and eventually life-threatening experience of young black photographer Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) as he travels with his white girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) to meet her suburbanite parents, hypnotist Missy and neurosurgeon Dean (played by Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford). Anticipating their possible shock and dismay at the color of his skin (believing himself to be Rose’s first black boyfriend), Chris is caught a bit off guard by the Armitage’s seemingly unhesitant, pleasant welcome and overwhelming need to make him feel comfortable. Contrary to their attempts, but in line with their behavior (and that of those they represent) the Armitage’s and their friends efforts to make Chris feel comfortable serve to only cause him further discomfort. Chris, at first seemingly used to these everyday microaggressions and the casual awkwardness of seemingly unintentional racism, starts to become suspicious after noticing the strange behavior exhibited by those he attempts to turn to for some semblance of normalcy and actual comfort, the three and only, other black people around. As he begins to question his surroundings and the behavior and motivation- of his hosts more, Chris finds himself in an even more terrifying situation than he could have anticipated.

The casting is perfect. Kaluuya is fantastic as Chris, a character whose situations, emotions, and reactions as the-only-black-person-in-a-room-full-of-white-people are all too relatable. As his romantic counterpart, Williams is very convincing as the seemingly well-intentioned but naive young liberal white woman who’s frustrated with her family’s microaggressive behavior towards her black boyfriend. Keener and Whitford are perfect as her attempt-to-appear-enlightened suburban parents with their liberal white elite brand of racism. Both actors are extremely gifted at portraying the secretly creepy, characters who you feel uncomfortable with despite their sinister intentions being masked by pleasant, smiling facades. And Lil Rel Howery perfectly rounds the cast out as Chris’ TSA friend Rod providing much needed comic relief during some very intense moments and an unusual voice of reason.

“Get Out” flips a lot of Hollywood and horror film tropes, as well as real life racial ones, on their heads. It puts the reality of black anxiety at its center, from the opening scene of a black man (Keith Stanfield) walking alone through white suburbia to scenes with the arrival of a police car all marking danger and impending doom for its black characters. The real and relevant risks displayed in these scenes- alluding to situations we’re all too familiar with (the case of Trayvon Martin, police brutality, and mistreatment of black people/victims)- showcase the everyday horrors black people have to contend with, making the new and unexpected horrors introduced in the film even more terrifying because of how real the threat seems to be.

In his directorial debut, Jordan Peele truly displays his depth of talent. A racial satire and profound social critique, “Get Out” is hilarious, terrifying, and all too real!

Rating: 3 out of 5


Billy Billy (Editor) - Billy has seen many movies over the years. He enjoys comedies and anything action, including the summer blockbuster movies. You can follow Billy on Twitter here.
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Comments

Konnie Semonski said…
I agree Liz. This movie was not what I expected. I thought it was well done and definitely worth seeing.
Electricblue717 said…
Seen this film today and I thought the film was well done and so is your review Liz M.
Keep up the good work. :)
Kamela Kern said…
Awesome! I can't wait to see it.
Gretchen Demps Simmons said…
Good Movie! Definitely makes you think twice about with whom you associate.
Stephen Clark said…
This was an excellent movie. I went to the preview because it was free, not expecting to like the movie, as the genre is full of predictable movies, who all use blood and guts and gore to convince you that it's entertaining. But Get Out has an actual plot, and uses contemporary themes to draw you into the lead character's world. But even better, Jordan Peele the director, uses suspense as it hasn't been used in years, to surprise you and make you jump. Alfred Hitchcock would be proud.
Sulema Flores said…
I totally loved this movie. I enjoyed the twists and turns.
Patricia Shea-Samul said…
Fantastic movie... I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen it. It did remind me at times about an older movie, only with females as the affected people. Definitely not what I expected, much BETTER
Sherdina Abron said…
This movie was definitely a surprise to me. I thoroughly enjoyed this comical horror. I am looking forward to seeing it again
Still Standing said…
Hands down this is the best movie I've seen all year!
Natalie D Fisher said…
Loved the screening. Twists & turns.
Demetria Ball said…
I enjoyed this movie.
Faith Armstead said…
This was the PERFECT Psychological THRILLER OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!
SCIFIMAN said…
I saw Get Out last night and found it to be one of the best movies i have ever seen as to originality. It like you stated has a great combination of comedy and suspense. A must see movie!
pearldj said…
loved it a very good action smash bang movie mostly in Germany
Shabeen Anand said…
Sounds great!
Pearl Retiz said…
Loved this movie!
Raquel Westbury said…
Hands down to Jordan Peele you directed this movie extremely extremely well. One of the best on my list. It had me at the edge of my seat. So amazing. Me.Peele you have a great eye. Hope you release more films!! I see many oscars in your future.
Fatal Sick said…
Great movie! Jordan Peele did an excellent job!
Gretchen Demps Simmons said…
Makes you take more than a second look at people...
AnnaZed said…
I don't even like horror films and usually avoid them, but this is something very special. I'm not sure that I've had that much fun at a movie in a long time.
grssd said…
Not a fan of horror films, but thought this one would be different. Stayed for the entire movie, but still don't see what was so special about this one. Within the first 30 minutes, all I wanted was to "Get Out!"
joan bush said…
This was a good movie!
ribbon13 said…
Loved it, so much better than I thought it would be !
Michael Gatto said…
Finally a really well made, original horror film with a lot to say. Jordan Peele did an outstanding job with this one.
Alan Culp said…
i enjoyed it a lot. Well done movie from a first time director
Roth Sothy said…
There were some horror elements, but I saw it more as a thriller than a full-on horror. Definitely check Get Out if you liked last year's surprise hit thriller, Don't Breathe.
Camellia Moore Knox said…
This movie review makes me want to go and see the movie right now. It definitely is a movie i have to go see. Sounds like a really great movie.
simetria sims said…
This is on point!
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