Get Out | film review
Creepy, stirring & woke, this psychological thriller raises the bar for Black Hollywood.
"Kenya, you STILL haven't seen Get Out?"
I don't do scary movies.
On Friday, October 27, at Hampton University, there was a free screening in the student center and my friends and I decided to get into the spirit of this spooky season and embark on a bit of an adventure.
My plan was to sit beside a friend who'd seen the film, but when we wound up sitting down in the theater, I found myself in the front row sitting beside a friend who hadn't seen yet either.
As you may have guessed by now, going to the movies is one of my favorite activities.
Our packed student theater, bringing together people from all classes and organizations together created a dynamic atmosphere. Watching a movie like Get Out, which includes moments of surprise, shock and gore, was interesting in that setting. Regardless of the serious content, I found myself chuckling because of my peers' reactions.
As an aspiring filmmaker and film connoisseur, I feel that it's important to embrace all genres.
From the opening scene with Lakeith Stanfield's character's kidnapping, I felt like I took a deep breath and was holding it until the end of the film.
I'm going to discuss this movie holistically, rather than my previous movie review format.
What is undeniable after watching Get Out is that it has earned the title of a modern classic.
The mystery/ thriller flick centers on Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) , who is visiting the parents of his girlfriend (Rose Armitage) for the first time. He arrives to confront unexpected challenges when the family's overly accommodating behavior takes a dark time, putting his life in danger.
My biggest surprise with this film was its pace. It was incredibly slow at the beginning and the turn of events leading to their arrival at Rose's house was quite uneventful. Truthfully, the climax point for this film comes late- as in fifteen minutes before the ending.
Chris encounters two strange black "helping hands" (Walter & Georgina) that greet him with creepy smiles and keep an eery eye on him. It's amazing sometimes in films of this genre to watch characters that ignore red flags.
For example, going out for a late night walk and having a grown man run rapidly toward you then divert suddenly before he collides with you is a pretty big red flag. But hey, it's also perfect for a viral meme- and that's exactly what it became!
While Chris is meeting the parents, his trusty friend Rod is back home dog sitting. One of the first things I heard about when this film premiered last February was the "hilarious TSA agent". In this writer's opinion, actor LilRel Howery definitely had some of the best lines of the movie, and while he did provide much needed comic relief, he was not the highlight of the movie for me.
Howery gets my vote for Best Scene Stealer, not Best Supporting Actor
Eventually, Chris catches wind of the disturbing surgery that Rose's family performs on the bodies of black people. For years Rose has lured black people to her family's property where they are brainwashed, with the help of her hypnotist mother played by Catharine Keener, and auctioned off to white people interested in inhabiting their bodies, as they believe black people to be physically superior. A blind white man envies Chris' knack for photography and eye for beauty. While Rose and Chris share an intimate conversation, the blind man wins the bid for Chris' body. Yeah, creepy.
Okay, two things.
First- the last time I saw Catharine Keener was in 2009's Where the Wild Things Are- one of my childhood faves. It was interesting to see her portray such an unnerving character.
Second- I appreciate Jordan Peele's candid commentary on the state of racism in this country. He has created a film that highlights the dangers of shrugging off micro-agression. I know I wasn't the only one cringing during that auction scene where Chris is asked demeaning questions about his physical abilities.
So what puts an end to this nightmare? Rose's mother hypnotizes Chris, making him fall into the "Sunken Place", an out-of-body experience that allows them to proceed with performing a brain surgery which will transfer a white man's brain into his body. Chris escapes and attempts to leave, prompting the iconic moment with Rose:
THEN. THINGS. GET. REAL.
Here's the long overdue climax that I expected to come much earlier.
Sitting with my blanket pulled over my head, I listened intently to the audience's reaction as Chris fights of the Armitages, but he also has to get past Walter and Georgina- who- oh by the way- are serving as host bodies for Rose's grandparents (Extra creepy).
As you may have guessed, however, good-humored Rod becomes the hero of the story. As sirens of his car sound off, the audience is relieved to see Rod spring onto the scene just as Chris is battling it out with Rose.
Get Out is a psychological thriller that supplements the Black Lives Matter movement.
While it is true that Interracial dating is becoming more commonplace in America, the deep stains of racism continue to claim the lives of innocent black people. It is painfully ironic to exist in a country where both of these realities are true. Even if you do not enjoy this film, you should respect it's success in adding to a national conversation on race relations.
From start to finish I was on the edge of my seat. Though the plot develops slowly, it draws you in.
In addition to the cultural references it has created, including Childish Gambino's "Redbone" (shoutout to my NPSFI'17 Squad!), "Don't Sink", "Get Out Challenge" and more, the film has also received critical acclaim.
Get Out is currently nominated for two Golden Globes including:
* Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
* Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for Daniel Kaluuya
I'm definitely going to be tuning into the Golden Globes, which air on January 7 (also in support of my Stranger Things buddies).
2018 is looking bright for Daniel Kaluuya, as the young actor is set to star alongside Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan in this February's Black Panther.
In conclusion...
Get Out adds to black culture.
Get Out encourages audiences to STAY WOKE.
Get Out entertains.
Get Out informs.
The moral of the story is...
We must protect Jordan Peele at all costs.
I give this movie an A rating.