Layla Abbas
Editorial Director
Jordan Peele, who has become a mastermind creator of modern horror films after his 2017 movie “Get Out,” does not disappoint with his latest film “Us.” The film depicts a horrific and gory view into people’s worst enemies: themselves.
“Us,” which debuted last weekend, shattered the box office, bringing in $70.2 million opening weekend, making it the biggest opening ever for an original R-rated movie and the biggest opening for an original live action movie since “Avatar” in 2009.
“Us” chronicles the personal trauma of Adelaide Wilson, played by Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, a woman returning to her beach side childhood home in Santa Cruz that reminds her of a jarring encounter she had as a child.
Adelaide feels her paranoia drifting to an unforgivable place as tension and signs continue to point to that traumatic childhood experience.
Her husband Gabe, played by Winston Duke, and their two children, played by Shahadi Wright Joseph and Evan Alex, are expecting a relaxing summer getaway, but instead are thrown into a multi-faceted battle for their lives in a terrifying world where their dopplegangers are out to murder them.
“Us” wastes no time jumping into thrilling and intense action; after a brief 20 minutes of minor thrill, the audience is thrown alongside the family as a silhouette of four figures dressed in red clothing and each accompanied by a sleek pair of long golden scissors greet the family in the driveway of their vacation home, signaling the end of their sweet vacation and the start of a terror fest.
The sharp, brash and sudden camera movements make for superb cinematography that is enough to send shivers down the backs of horror film fanatics as they witness the struggle of the protagonists fighting to stay alive.
The music also contributes to elevating the fear component; songs like “I Got Five On It” by Luniz, “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys and signature horror beats contribute to Peele’s ability to heighten and capture fear in an unconditional way.
Peele, who earned an Oscar for best original screenplay for “Get Out,” has earned himself the title of a riveting and fresh director that can create mind stimulating horror movies that blend racial undertones, comedic relief and utter fear in one.
“Us” is filled with twists and turns, gory and comedic scenes and a mind enhancing ending revelation.
Peele has mastered giving the audience a movie that makes them critically think and question their own self being. “Us” is a must see for all horror film fanatics.
Layla Abbas can be reached at layla.abbas@laverne.edu.
