Get Out (2017)

'Get Out' is the directorial debut of comedy writer Jordan Peele and stars Daniel Kaluuya as a young man named Chris, who is about to spend the weekend with his white girlfriend's family. Right from the start, Chris feels slightly hesitant about his visit but finds that they are all very warm and welcoming however Chris slowly begins to feel very uncomfortable as everyone's overt kindness hides a sinister plot.

While some may find the shift from comedy to horror a bit jarring and sudden for Peele, as we've learned from Robin Williams and Jim Carrey the best comedians can look deep inside and find that darker place, perhaps better than many of us would like to admit. Comedy can often hide pain and this can bring out some brilliant creativity and passion in someone, which is what makes 'Get Out' so spectacular. From the opening sequence, you feel that isolation, paranoia, and being uncomfortable in a foreign environment that we've all experienced on various levels. It's these that make the film so relatable for the viewer no matter your race, creed, or orientation. Even before the true horror starts, you know something is wrong and we are 100% onboard with Chris from the start. He feels alone even with the friendliest people and a woman he truly loves. Daniel Kaluuya shows these emotions with a subtle and almost stoic performance which makes it even more commendable.

The rest of the cast does just as well as they hide their facade in a believable and again relatable way. The dad makes lame jokes and plays up the stereotypical embarrassing parent well. Catherine Keener as the mother is a little more obvious with her sinister aspects, but she's always such a class act and performs well here. I can't forget Lil Rey Howery as Chris's best friend who provides the comic relief and always had me roar with laughter each time. It seems Mr. Peele projected himself within this character and despite his more comedic angle, he also does the dramatic parts well too. The film's score is appropriately eerie and was written by first timer Michael Abels (who also performed the score to Peele's second film 'US'). The opening credits is one of the creepiest horror movie themes I've heard in a long time, with a slow guitar and an almost Gothic choir in the background. The score stays away from those loud strings or 'jump scare' sounds and instead goes for that subtle route and it's a surprise Abels didn't receive a nomination as its a solid first soundtrack.

'Get Out' is the smartest horror/thriller in many years that keeps a strong sense of tension throughout and has a sharp wit and dark humor sprinkled in. Jordan Peele is a natural talent and his film is not just scary as hell, it's smart too. If you have yet to check it out before this week's 'US' I highly encourage you to view it. The hype is completely warranted and it's the best horror flick of the 2010's so far.

10/10