“Get Out” was probably the most surprising film of 2017. I expected a straight-up horror film (as indicated by the trailer) but nothing could have prepared me for its unique tone. I think that this film has been lumped in with the horror genre simply because nobody knows how to categorize it. The Golden Globes even categorized it as a comedy (!) but the few moments of comic relief don’t define the overall tone of the film. It most closely resembles an M. Night Shyamalan psychological thriller, complete with slow-building, Hitchcockian suspense and a clever setup for a huge twist. But it isn’t scary, just incredibly unnerving. The quiet Stepford suburb makes it clear from the start that things are not as they seem. The twist almost seems too obvious, which is where director Jordan Peele uses his sleight of hand to guide your gaze in one direction before revealing that your assumptions are backwards. The intriguing story is matched by visual artistry that helps us to see into the minds of the characters, particularly in showing the descent to a “sunken place.” While the film introduces some crazy concepts, the straightforward story requires excellent actors to give it life and depth. Daniel Kaluuya drives the energy of the entire film and commands the screen with a highly emotional performance. His crying scene is a highlight reel moment for 2017 and his acting in the final twenty minutes of the film will leave you stunned. My favorite moment of the entire film is the sudden, stark change in Allison Williams’ character. I won’t say anything else, but that single moment proved to me that she is an incredible actress. Catherine Keener also turns in an impressive, creepy performance. “Get Out” seems like a typical scary movie on the surface but I wouldn’t shy away from it if you hate horror films. It is more of a creepy film than a scary one and its story digs a lot deeper than you would expect. There is a reason that only a handful of films earn a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. This isn’t the greatest movie of all time but its intrigue and unnerving tone make you desperate to know what happens in the end.
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