Horror logo

'Get Out' vs. 'Us:' The Peele-Off

Jordan Peele has crafted some great horror flicks, but how do they compare? (contains spoilers)

By Craig HousePublished 5 years ago 3 min read
Like

In his short directorial career, comedian Jordan Peele has created two hit horror flicks, namely Get Out (which won an Oscar in 2018 for Best Original Screenplay) and 2019s Us, starring Lupita Nyong’o. Both received critical acclaim and touched on similar topics, but ultimately they are very different beasts. So how do they differ, how are they similar, and what is that special Jordan Peele magic?

The Protagonists

Get Out is a story that focuses on the experience of Chris Washington, portrayed by the up-and-coming Daniel Kaluuya. He is a black man with a white girlfriend, going off to meet her family for the first time. It is a real fish-out-water tale which depicts what it’s like for most black people when they’re likely the only non-white person in the room. So when the character thinks he’s found that connection with a fellow black person, he tries to cling onto it. And the backfire of that situation is what really triggers the events that go on to happen later in the film. Whereas, in Us, Lupita Nyong’o’s Adelaide Wilson isn’t a fish out of water as she has a family of her own, but namely the conflict is with herself (literally) than any perceived black vs. white narrative. We’re only just dipping our toes into the water; but if this has given you a sudden urge to watch either of these films, or maybe another horror film you’ve just thought of, then you can make some great savings on Blu Rays and DVDs through the website My Favourite Voucher Codes, including Zavvi voucher codes and discounts from retailers such as HMV and Sainsbury’s. What better night in could you have than a horror flick with a big bowl of popcorn?

The Worlds

The one thing that makes Us stand out is the world it builds. If you haven’t seen the film yet, then there may be spoilers ahead, so be warned. Basically, it’s revealed that two parallel worlds operate, one above ground and another underground, with the underground people (known as the "Tethered") unwittingly and unwillingly living vicariously through the actions of their kin on the surface. However, Adelaide’s other self managed to escape and emerge into the other world with doppelgängers of her family, looking to untether themselves by killing their surface counterparts. Basically, it’s an allegory for inner conflict, as well as shining a light on privilege and social class. It reflects on the duality of society, which shows that people who are suffering can be seen as "other," even if they look just like you. If you were wondering what the ending of the film meant, this might help explain it to you.

The world of Get Out isn’t as abstract on the face of it, but as the film goes on, it does get increasingly more abstract as Chris discovers that all isn’t as it seems. Whilst the ending isn’t terribly scientifically accurate, it does live up to its horror billing, and is an action-packed, intense adventure. It also delves deeper into the notion that black people can sometimes be seen as commodities and bodies in the eyes of some, rather than actual people. Narrative First have put together a breakdown of Get Out, getting into the nitty gritty of the film.

The Twist Endings

Where would a good horror film be without a good twist ending? If you haven’t seen either film yet, you’re in proper spoiler territory now. One way in which the films are similar is through their twists. In Get Out, it’s a bit more subtle, in the sense that when a cop car does show up, the film sets up the pretence that Kaluuya’s character would be the one who would shoulder the blame (until it’s revealed the car is being driven by his police officer friend, who was looking for him after going missing). In Us, there is a much bigger twist that changes everything you previously thought about the film. To be honest, it’s such a big spoiler, I’m probably not going to mention it here. So, go watch it for yourself at home if you need to decide whether it’s as big as I’m making out.

movie review
Like

About the Creator

Craig House

Creative entrepreneur, freelance designer and all round business savvy youth.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.