Get Out

Get Out

Get Out isn't exactly a horror movie. Despite being made by a comedic actor/writer, it is more of a psychological thriller than a comedy. Director Jordan Peele does an outstanding job with this creepy, but entertaining little movie. It starts out with one premise and switches to something else. The movie is far better than I expected it to turn out. Get Out is a good movie that works most of the time.

Get Out has some comedic elements, but not in a goofy parody manner. Most of the comedic elements are in the form of a side character named Rod Williams. Rod that isn't a part of the main storyline and he is having his own story. I have to wonder if there was more story involving said character. However, this character does pay off in the main story during the climax.

Putting aside the comedic roots of the production team, Daniel Kaluuya is the lead for Get Out. He is the face of the movie. I am impressed with his performance. He has expressive eyes and subtle things that convey that there are much bigger things going on in his mind and character. It was a nice to go with an up and coming actor instead of an established actor.

He conveys the anxiety every black male has meeting his white girlfriend's family. The movie starts out as something mundane as an interracial couple meeting the parents. However, it turns into something far more twisted and sinister as the story progresses.

While the movie is very tight in time and editing, I would have enjoyed a few more minutes of subtle strangeness and foreshadowing. What they have in the movie is good, but I wanted more before the movie switches to a more slasher/action/chase movie. The creepy build-up would have enhanced the switch to the more darker slasher/fear aspects of the story.

Actually, the acting all around is very good. Allison Williams should receive high praise for her role. Her character is a bit more twisted when you really think about what she's been doing to victims for years. Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford are both good as the creepy parents to Williams. They give off that “something isn't right about them”.

Get Out is a fun little movie with some creepy aspects. There are some comedic elements but relies more on the horror/thriller elements than comedic ones. The direction and editing are spot-on. I like how the writing and the directing work hand-in-hand with foreshadowing. As long as you let talented people do their thing, you get a well-made product such as Get Out.  

Grade: B+