Us (2019) Movie Review

Introduction

Jordan Peele's 2019 horror film "Us" is a masterpiece that leaves audiences questioning their reality long after the credits have rolled. With exceptional performances, brilliant cinematography, and an unforgettable twist ending, this movie is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. In this blog post, we'll explore the plot, characters, and the final twist that makes "Us" an unforgettable experience.

must read Get Out (2017) a horror-comedy masterpiece that takes on the perils of racism in America

Plot Summary

The movie "Us" follows the story of Adelaide Wilson (Lupita Nyong'o), a woman who returns to her childhood home in Santa Cruz, California, with her husband Gabe (Winston Duke) and their two children, Zora (Shahadi Wright Joseph) and Jason (Evan Alex). Adelaide is haunted by a traumatic experience from her childhood when she wandered into a funhouse and encountered a doppelganger of herself.

As the family settles in for a vacation, strange occurrences begin to happen, and four masked strangers appear outside their home. The family soon realizes that these strangers are their doppelgängers, known as "the Tethered," who are out to kill them.

The Tethered are revealed to be clones of the people living above ground, created by the government to control them. Adelaide, who was originally a Tethered but managed to escape to the surface as a child, is forced to confront her past and lead her family in a battle against their Tethered counterparts.

Throughout the movie, we see flashbacks of Adelaide's traumatic experience as a child, which is revealed to be the key to the Tethered's uprising. As the final showdown between the Wilson family and their doppelgängers takes place, we are left wondering who will come out on top.

Characters

The characters in "Us" are brilliantly portrayed, with each actor bringing a unique and memorable performance to the screen. Lupita Nyong'o shines as Adelaide and her doppelgänger, Red, delivering a chilling and nuanced performance that is a testament to her acting skills. Winston Duke is equally impressive as Gabe, providing the perfect balance of humor and intensity.

The child actors, Shahadi Wright Joseph and Evan Alex, also give standout performances, adding depth and emotion to the story. The Tethered are equally terrifying, with each actor perfectly embodying their character's sinister intentions.

The Twist Ending

The twist ending of "Us" is one of the most mind-bending and shocking twists in recent movie history. As the Wilson family emerges victorious over their Tethered counterparts, Adelaide's son, Jason, notices something strange about his mother. The camera pans to her face, and we see her flash a sinister smile, revealing that she was, in fact, the Tethered doppelgänger all along.

The twist raises many questions about the movie's themes and the character's motivations. Was Adelaide always a Tethered, or did she switch places with her clone when she was a child? Why did she lead her family back to the beach, knowing that it would lead to a confrontation with her doppelgänger? And why did she choose to reveal her true identity at the end of the movie?

Many theories have been put forward to explain the twist ending of "Us," with some viewers suggesting that Adelaide was always a Tethered, while others argue that she switched places with her clone. One theory suggests that the Tethered and the people above ground are two sides of the same coin, with neither being good or evil, but rather different aspects of the human psyche.

Another theory suggests that the Tethered existence as a metaphor for the oppressed and marginalized in society, highlighting the issues of inequality and injustice. Adelaide's true identity as a Tethered could be seen as a commentary on how those who have managed to escape oppression and climb up the social ladder often forget their roots and leave their less fortunate counterparts behind.

The twist ending also adds a layer of complexity to the character of Adelaide/Red, blurring the lines between good and evil. It challenges the audience's preconceived notions of who the hero and the villain are and forces them to question their own assumptions and biases.

Ultimately, the twist ending of "Us" is a testament to Jordan Peele's masterful storytelling and his ability to create complex and thought-provoking narratives that stay with audiences long after the credits have rolled. It adds an extra layer of depth and meaning to an already exceptional movie, making it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts and anyone who loves a good mind-bending twist.