Jordan Peele is said to be changing the face of horror with his newest self-written and self-directed motion picture, “Us”, which premiered in theaters March 22.
This highly anticipated movie is a second extolled Peele masterpiece, much like his first Oscar-nominated film, “Get Out,” from 2017.
“Us” takes the viewer on a whole new psychological rollercoaster ride that will leave an unsettling tingle in your brain rather than your spine.
The new movie is Peele’s second credited horror film, where viewers soon realize everything is not what it seems.
The central character is Adelaide Wilson, (Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o). She fights her mysterious past that becomes a problem for her and her family’s present.
The Wilson family is forced to face an eerie, doppelganger family known as “The Tethered,” whose motivation is not quite clear. Similar to Peele’s first film, “Us” is full of underlying themes and complex messages.
Unlike “Get Out,” which exemplifies mostly racial and institutional problems within our society, “Us” portrays what it is we truly fear as humans; the truth about ourselves.
“It is instead about something that I feel has become an undeniable truth,” Peele said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “That is the simple fact that we are our own worst enemies.”
The solo acting performances really struck gold in this film. One in particular was Nyong’o, who switched from the role of the protective and enduring mother to mastering the assertive, almost mind-paralyzing role of “Red.”
The remaining family roles performed by Winston Duke (the father), Shahadi Wright Joseph (the daughter) and Evan Alex (the son) were all exceptional when it came to balancing such opposite personalities. The acting in this movie contains so much depth and truly provoked a hidden darkness.
As of April 1, “Us” has taken in more than $130 million in ticket sales and jumped “Captain Marvel” for the number one spot at the box office.
Though it may be criticized as a strange approach, Peele conveys unclear messages that are meant for audience members to create their own meanings. Most films have a clear-cut message but again, Peele is revolutionizing a style of his own. He does not blatantly tell filmgoers what exactly is going on like “Get Out,” but this screenplay is perfect for the imagination.
The film uses suspense to its greatest advantage and can still be very chilling, but movie-goers won’t need an extra pair of pants.
Although “Us” may not be as stunning as Peele’s freshman film, the movie still pushes its own thought-provoking and creepy agenda.
The future for Jordan Peele horror movies is one to look forward to, and “Us” is another mind-boggling success, which makes you think, is the monster in us?