Review of Get Out (2017) by Thequietgamer — 28 Jun 2017

Jordan Peele's directorial debut?! A work this polished and well-executed is something many directors who have been in the game for years fail to achieve. The performances are incredible. If Daniel Kaluuya does not get on Oscar for his performance here then something has gone horribly wrong. His performance as a guy who is just trying to make the best of an awkward scenario, but slowly losing his ability to as things get progressively stranger is nothing short of absolutely believable. The rest of the cast is game as well. They're manipulation and bizarre behavior set you on edge in ways few other movies can. The scenes are lovingly crafted and the choice in music that accompanies them is spot on.

It's the originality that ultimately wins the day. First time director Peele toys with your expectations in interesting ways. He's done so since before the movie even came out. The social-commentary in regards to racial tensions is something that stirred up a lot of controversy. There are people who won't even give the movie a shot as a result. Their loss. The satire not only shines light on some significant social issues, but is excellently weaved into the plot as a reason to make the main character uncomfortable with meeting his girlfriend's parents in the first place. Needless to day, partially because so many others have said it, it's not racist. Not some middle finger to white people or anything like that. But, whatever. Not gonna bother talking about it any further. People have already made up their minds on what they think this is about.

If the movie has one flaw it's that you can kind of pick out the twists before they happen. Don't get me wrong, there are still surprises in store. It's just that the big reveal as to why exactly all of this is happening is evident right before it is revealed. It was too well telegraphed to not become immediately obvious. Then there's the bit that has to do with a significant character to the plot. It was obvious what was going to happen there from the trailers. Still, plenty of weirdness and questions you'll find yourself asking (which will get answered).

The movie is essentially an awkward introduction to being introduced to the parents of a significant other. The difference from this and, say, the Ben Stiller comedy "Meet the Parents" is the horror angle. Instead of increasingly upping the humor, Get Out ups the mystery, tension, and uncomfortable nature of the events. Speaking of the humor, it's worth noting just how surprisingly funny the movie is. Most of it comes from Lil Rel Howery, the main character's best friend. He serves as the comic relief and is given some absolutely hilarious lines that are well acted. Simply put, Get Out is one heck of a horror-comedy and a stunning directorial debut from Jordan Peele. I can't get over how talented the cast is, the unique and well-shot scenes, the clever ways it plays with expectations, and just all around uniqueness. Get Out proves to be a standout in the ever crowded horror genre. It's rare these days to see a movie in this genre so well made. It's becoming more common, but still far too infrequent. The movie is simply a breath of fresh air and a clear contender for best movie of the year.

9.