As a film critic, it is evident that “Us” and “Get Out,” both directed by Jordan Peele, share common themes, motifs, and recurring symbols. They both fall into the horror genre and use suspense to create a sense of unease and discomfort in the audience. However, despite their similarities, they are very different films.
“Get Out” is a 2017 horror-thriller that follows a young African American man named Chris Washington as he visits the family of his white girlfriend for the weekend. As the weekend progresses, Chris begins to realize that something nefarious is happening, and he becomes trapped in a terrifying nightmare involving hypnosis and brain transplantation. Peele masterfully uses the sci-fi element to critique the pervasive and covert malice that is present in white America’s racial culture. The film incorporates a lot of symbolism, such as references to the sunken place, deer, and the main character’s camera flash. At its core, “Get Out” tackles issues of cultural appropriation, exploitation, and theft of Black identity. The film was critically and commercially successful, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Similarly, “Us” is a horror movie that explores the psychological themes of identity, nature versus nurture, and classism. The film follows the Wilson family, a middle-class African American family on vacation in Santa Cruz. However, their trip takes a sinister turn when they are confronted with their doppelgangers who emerge from underground tunnels. Peele’s use of the doubles in the film, referred to as “The Tethered,” is an eerie reminder that there is always an implicit barbarism present on the flip side of civil society. Peele also incorporates the symbolism of hands and scissors throughout the movie, which is used to great effect in the film’s climax. While “Us” is still a horror movie, it has a different focus than “Get Out,” and the social commentary is not as direct. “Us” was also commercially successful but was met with more divisive critical reviews.
Peele’s creative process for both films is remarkable. The dialogue and script writing in both movies are exceptional, and the directors’ ability to build suspense and tension throughout is masterful. The films also feature superb performances from their respective casts, with particular praise going to Lupita Nyong’o's fantastic dual role in “Us.” Peele’s style is unique, a fusion of traditional horror tropes with social commentary, and he uses elements of humor to lighten the mood before shocking and horrifying his audience. It’s a combination that works incredibly well, and it is an idea that is being replicated in films today.
Both “Us” and “Get Out” challenge the typical Hollywood narrative and bring attention to societal issues that have been ignored or disregarded in popular media. These films add a new dimension to the discourse of race and identity in America, and Peele takes it to new heights with his imaginative storytelling. Through these movies, Peele has proved that genre movies can be arthouse-worthy films and that they should be given the same regard and critique as any other work of art.
In conclusion, while “Us” and “Get Out” share similarities in the horror genre, both movies have different themes, focus, and directorial goals. They both challenge the traditional Hollywood narrative and offer fresh perspectives on issues of race and identity, and the American experience. Peele’s ability to combine the horror genre with social commentary has set him apart and earned him many accolades, and his impact on the genre of horror and filmmaking will have an enduring effect beyond the release of these two movies.