The buzz from SXSW on Jordan Peele's US hailed it a "horror masterpiece," and the auteur himself, the next Hitchcock.
Too much hype can kill a movie going experience, but this film is so smart, effective, and relevant, that you can't deny its special. I give it an A-, or B+..
(Light) SPOILERS ahead. . .
Peele doesn't just deliver a straight genre picture. Rather, he mixes them. Horror, thriller, home invasion, sci-fi, apocalypse, comedy, satire. It's a lethal brew that delivers fantastic and timely messages and questions.
The basic premise - a family goes on a beach vacation, and is attacked by a family of lunatic doppelgängers, (or "Tethered" as they are referred to here).
The obvious visual metaphor of ourselves, being our own worst enemy, and our worst demons being inner ones, is a poignant truth, that hits home for me, as someone who believes strongly in self improvement. The biggest thing standing in the way of me and my dreams, maybe. . . is me.
That unsettling and important wisdom is the underlying theme here. It motivates and supports the big twist/reveal at the end and a lot of choices throughout.
The radical divide in America had been on the rise for years, but exploded in the 2016 election. To this day, I confess, I struggle with negative feelings towards people who support this administration. The two Americas, is visually and metaphorically shown when the clones call themselves, "Americans." The title of the film is "Us", but it can also be read as, "U.S." as in United States.
Questions of free will, conspiracy theories, and shady government programs are more ideas the film plays with. US doesn't provide explicit answers to the questions it raises, as it shouldn't, but its shining cinemas light on these areas is magnificent for those of us who appreciate a movie with something to say.
So on the macro level, the film is a wash in glorious metaphors and meanings in Peele's vital voice. On the micro, the film also dishes out beautifully crafted moments. From the hall of mirrors, low key lighting, each individual and unique kill, the use of diegetic music used as a counterpoint in the scene at the neighbors house, and the soundtrack in general, it's effective. It's pacing and tension are superb, and like GET OUT, it does drop hints throughout as to where the climax is heading, making you want to watch it again.
While scary and sometimes violent, Peele knows when to elegantly cut away from violence to an exterior wide shot, or have it occur in the background out of focus, delivering a truly elevated experience. It's a good date movie, as you'll want to hang on tight to the person you are with when the scares come.
The casting is excellent, but it's Lupita Nyong'o who steals the show as both hero and villain. Proving to be one of Hollywood's brightest stars, she plays Adelaide Thomas, the matriarch of the family, as relatable and charming, as well as her crazed clone mastermind, Red as an iconic, tragic monster. (Can't wait to see the red jump suits and gold scissors in WeHo for Halloween).
Purists for logic may balk at the holes in the plot, but any film requires a leap of faith. US uses magical realism that does at times feel like a dream or a "dark cloud" hanging over us. All these coincidences and deja vu suggest something is not right. Indeed, one can argue both in this film world, and in ours.
With a production budget of $20M (Boxofficemojo), it has already earned $70M worldwide. Commercial, creative, relevant, and fun. Bravo.
Just remember the villain is the star of their own life's movie. No bad guy thinks they are bad. Darth Vader just wants to restore order to the galaxy, right?
The villain, might be, if we're not careful. . . us.
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