Logan Sork Film Reviews
Us
When Get Out was released in 2017, it took the world by storm. Not only did it make a ton of money at the box office, but it was also nominated for a slew of Academy Awards (winning best original screenplay). Suddenly, director/writer Jordan Peele became an overnight horror sensation, and everyone was waiting eagerly for his next project, which is now upon us. With Us, Jordan Peele creates another beautifully crafted horror film with a great atmosphere, great performances and a great original concept. And while the film may have similar problems to Get Out, Us proves that Jordan Peele (mostly) knows what he’s doing when it comes to great original horror films.
Us is written, produced and directed by Jordan Peele and stars Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex, and Elisabeth Moss. The film centers around the Wilson family, who travels to their remote home for a nice weekend getaway. While most of the family seems happy for the nice weekend Adelaide (Nyong’o) is a bit on edge, as when she experienced a traumatic event as a child that has left her mentally scarred in the same location the family is staying. This is not helped by the fact that strange coincidences begin to befoul the family when they arrive at the house. Later that night, the family is confronted by a group of strangers who break into their home. When the strangers reveal themselves, the Wilson’s are shocked to find that the intruders are in fact dark and twisted versions of themselves. From that point on, the Wilson’s must fight to survive as they try to evade their dark copies and discover exactly what this family wants.
Once again, Peele has demonstrated himself to be a master of creating suspense through the use of atmosphere and off-setting imagery. From the opening scene Peele is able to create such an intense atmosphere that you are drawn in almost immediately. Even some of the most mundane things, such as a carnival ride or a visit to a sunny beach, are given some level of suspense. The suspense of course is driven up greatly when off-setting or disturbing imagery is added to the mix. It is the sequences in which the film heightens the suspense through the direction, score, editing and imagery that the film becomes truly terrifying. There are a couple of jump scares here and there but unlike Get Out they are not only placed better but also work for the kind of film this is.
The cast is also excellent. Each cast member not only does a good job playing their respective part but also the dark version of themselves. The cast members are both likable and terrifying in the same scenes opposite themselves. The standout for me however was Lupita Nyong’o as her emotional arc and performance carries the film even when some of the narrative falters. The rest of the cast is also very good, though there are some members who are stuck playing characters that feel ore like cut-outs rather than actual people. Nonetheless, everyone turns out a great performance, giving the film grounded group of characters even if some of them don’t exactly feel realistic.
The film also has a great original concept that it works with. The idea of having someone that looks exactly like you attack you is not entirely original, but it’s mostly been relegated to metaphysical attacks in film. Here however, people who are exact replicas of the characters attack them, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase “you’re your own worst enemy”. There are many sequences and moments that Peele uses this concept to perfection, such as the moments in which characters interact with their darker selves. There is also the terrifying idea that the people attacking you know exactly what you’re thinking and how you act, leading to several terrifying moments throughout the film. The social commentary seen in Get Out is also present, although its far subtler and more universal, allowing the film to continue uninterrupted by the commentary. This allows the film some breathing room as it can focuses on the story and characters and allows for plenty more terrifying moments.
Like Get Out, the film unfortunately suffers some similar problems. The third act is nowhere near as strong as the first two and part of it as to with the big reveal. It just wasn’t as impactful as Peele wanted it to be. I get the idea behind it, but it just wasn’t executed as well as it could’ve been. There is another twist that is thrown in at the end that feels very tacked on and nowhere near as well explored as it could’ve been. There are also several holes in logic that you must be willing to overlook in order to totally enjoy certain aspects of the film.
All problems aside however, Us is a truly unique and terrifying modern horror film. Filled with a creepy and suspenseful atmosphere, electrifying performances and a great original concept this is one film that everyone should check out. Just be sure to be prepared for a couple of logical problems along the way.
8.5/10