[Review] Get Out: A Very Clever and Innovative Horror Film!!
Get Out achieved a 99% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, becoming one of the highest-rated films on the site, which filled me with anticipation. While I don't consider this film an "absolute masterpiece," it certainly didn't disappoint, and I actually found it incredibly clever and innovative!
American films tackling racial themes are common, but most of them focus on how Black people are exploited and oppressed, portraying the struggles of African Americans in the country. The film begins by highlighting the treatment of a Black man at night, as well as the conversation between the protagonist, Chris, and his girlfriend, Rose, about visiting Rose's family, introducing this premise. The audience is then led by this premise to see if the protagonist's anxieties will come true. Later, Chris discovers that Rose's family is genuinely friendly towards him, just as Rose said. However, what makes him uneasy are the Black individuals whom he initially viewed as his own kind and felt safe around. This becomes a major suspense element in the film, drawing the audience to continue watching.
One of the film's outstanding qualities lies in its innovative approach to presenting racial issues, offering the audience an unexpected plot direction. As the film creates a strange, unsettling atmosphere and portrays Chris's discomfort, the audience can easily immerse themselves in the story, stepping into Chris's shoes to try and decipher what's happening. As for the truth of the matter, I won't go into detail here, as it would affect your viewing experience. However, the film's clever screenplay must be praised; it consistently plants subtle clues throughout the plot, and the ability to "solve the mystery" depends on the audience's attentiveness and imagination.
In the United States, issues of racial discrimination and inequality have always existed and appeared in many films and TV series. This film first creates a false impression, leading the audience to believe it will discuss the same old issues; then, it introduces a turning point, using an innovative angle to remind the audience of situations that might normally be overlooked. It also makes us understand that discrimination or inequality never manifests in just one way; some easily overlooked matters might bring greater harm to minorities. In fact, these issues are not only present in racial discussions but also appear in topics like gender, making them worthy of deep reflection.
As a horror film, Get Out avoids typical horror film setups and camera work. The film creates a strange, chilling, and unsettling atmosphere through its score, editing, and the performances of its cast. I particularly loved the three Black characters Chris encounters at Rose's house; their performances and way of speaking truly made me feel very uneasy. The film's director, Jordan Peele, is himself a comedian, and he incorporates many comedic elements into the film, primarily focusing on Chris's best friend, Rod (played by Lil Rel Howery). These moments not only relieve the film's tension but also carry strong satirical undertones, highlighting the inequality and absurd treatment Black people face in America.
Beyond the script and performances, I also really appreciate some of the film's subtle details, which further showcase its cleverness. Firstly, Rose's family home itself has the feel of a two-hundred-year-old American plantation, a design that evokes memories of the inhumane treatment of Black slaves at that time. Secondly, in one of the film's climactic scenes, the object Chris uses to save himself is strongly linked to Black slaves, which also seems highly ironic. Besides these two points, the film's plot, props, and set design contain many other noteworthy details, demonstrating the production team's meticulousness.
While I don't consider Get Out an "absolute masterpiece," the production team's thoughtfulness and the film's innovative approach to presenting racial issues already make it highly worth watching! After seeing it, I also understood why it garnered 99% positive reviews and achieved "small budget, big box office" success!