In 2017, actor/comedian Jordan Peele launched his directorial debut, a horror film called "Get Out", that was both immensely popular and critically acclaimed. 2 years later he released his next story to the big screen, "Us", which proved to be another unique and great work of cinema.
"Us" follows Adelaide Wilson (Lupita Nyong'o), her husband Gabe (Winston Duke), son Jason (Evan Alex) and daughter Zora (Shahadi Wright Joseph) on their family vacation to meet their friends at the Santa Cruz beach in California. Adelaide, we discover, is uneasy about the trip, because she has an unsettling past memory of Santa Cruz as a child that continues to haunt her. While reluctantly setting her feelings aside, the woman begins to notice strange occurrences happening to her and her family during the trip, all culminating to one fateful night when they are attacked and held hostage by a group of masked intruders. The Wilsons discover the terrifying identities of the attackers, as they realize they are face-to-face with doppelgangers of themselves, and they must fight to survive and outwit them.
"Us" is both a great film in the horror genre and just a great film in general. Jordan Peele is truly a master of his craft, and he showcases a effective, smart script and excellent direction of the story. "Us" is full of surprises; it is hilarious, emotionally gripping and relentlessly scary, with a thrilling and shocking third act that makes us as an audience question what we just experienced. However, the performances are the biggest standout of "Us". It is quite an accomplishment that the main cast members were able to deliver such memorable and unique dual performances in the film, especially Nyong'o, who plays the trauma-stricken and protective mother Adelaide and her doppelganger, the sadistic and troubled Red. The performances from this Oscar-winning actress are so raw, genuine and unforgettable that they truly elevate the movie to new heights.
"Us" is an outstanding film, a fantastic follow-up to "Get Out", and another tremendous success in the books for Jordan Peele. What I love most about his two movies are that they aren't simple. He makes thoughtful and symbolic films that tell hidden stories within their own stories, with relevant messages that can be seen through the lens of our modern-day society and world. I am looking forward to seeing more excellent work from Peele in the near future.
Check out "Us" on DVD/Blu-ray and digital platforms today!
Rating: 4.5/5
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