Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that pretty much everyone is talking about Jordan Peele's new horror movie "Us". It's all over the news and social media, people cannot stop talking about it. I'll even admit that I am one of those people. I absolutely love horror movies, especially the ones that leave me feeling like I'm on the edge of my seat. So when I found out that Jordan Peele, the creator of "Get Out", one of my favorite movies, was making another horror film, I was excited. I was even more excited to learn that he got his inspiration for "Us" from a Twilight Zone episode called "Mirror Image". The whole way to the theatre I couldn't stop talking about it, and the whole way home I did the same, which is why I've decided to write this movie review of a movie that I doubt I'll shut up about anytime soon and have all of America terrified whenever they hear "I Got 5 On It".
1. Plot ( 5 out of 5 Rabbits)
GiphyWithout going into too much detail, the plot of "Us" centers around the Wilson family through the eyes of Adelaide Wilson (Lupita Nyong'o,) the wife of Gabe Wilson (Winston Duke), the mother of Jason and Zora. The family is returning to her Santa Cruz home where she grew up as a child. Adelaide has a dark past, still suffering from a traumatic event that occurred as a child that she never fully recovered from. She begins feeling like something bad is about to happen when her worst fears come true and masked strangers appear in their driveway and break into their house. When the strangers take off the masks, the Wilson family is horrified to learn that the strangers take the appearance of each one of them. The Wilson family is pushed into a fight for survival against these strangers who only have one intention: to kill them.
2. Suspense (5 out of 5 Rabbits)
GiphyThis movie has a whole lot of suspense that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. You never know what is around the next corner ready to attack you. Jordan Peele uses subtly, such as music and camera angles to really put you on the edge of your seat wondering what danger lurks around the next corner.
3. Jumpscares (3.5 out of 5 Rabbits)
GiphyThis movie has some pretty good jumpscares but none that I wasn't expecting or left my heart racing after it was over. Unlike "The Conjuring" which left me shaken after every jumpscare, this movie is relatively calm in comparison.
4. Gore (3.5 out of 5 Rabbits)
GiphyThis movie does contain blood and gore, but it isn't exactly on quite the level that the "Saw" movies are. With their special effects makeup artist being known for their work in multiple sci-fi thrillers, I was expecting more. If you're thinking this movie is going to be an all-out blood bath, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed.
5. Acting (5 out of 5 Rabbits)
GiphyWithout giving away too much, I can confidently say that I picture Lupita Nyong'o winning many awards this year for her performance. Winston Duke's acting is also spectacular and is who provides the comic relief right when you need it most. Not to mention that everyone else who acted in the movie has stellar performances as well.
6. Music (5 out of 5 Rabbits)
GiphyI like to throw this category in because I think most everyone will agree that without a good soundtrack, a movie will go downhill quick. This movie has great music with the main song being "I Got 5 On It" by Luniz. Other than that the music that the movie contains is somewhat sinister and pretty creepy. There's one song in the movie (if you know, you know) that made me feel very uneasy and on edge when it was played.
7. Plot Twists (5 out of 5 Rabbits)
GiphyI will keep my word and make this article spoiler free because I hate when I spoil a movie for myself when all I wanted to see was if it was worth it to go see. But I will say this movie contains a MAJOR plot twist that I actually didn't see coming despite being pretty good at predicting a movie's outcome. You'll be left with your mouth hanging open when it's all over.
8. Understandability (2.5 out of 5 Rabbits)
GiphyThis is not your average front-to-back horror movie, and I appreciate it for being that. However, since some people don't share my thoughts, that's why I gave it 2.5 out of 5. In "Us", Peele uses symbolism and metaphors to paint a picture, but if you aren't looking, you'll miss them. This movie isn't one you can leave to go to the bathroom and come back knowing you haven't missed anything. You must pay attention when watching and you'll probably end up doing research to see what you missed. To quote one user on Twitter "it's like standing in front of a massive painting and with each step back, a new more sinister piece appears".
"Us" is a fantastic horror movie with metaphors and symbolism that can leave you chilled to your core. Not everyone will like that movie, and that's alright. No movie is for everyone. But if you are up to the challenge and can appreciate this movie for what it is, I am sure that you'll love it. I'm sure that you will want no one to approach you with scissors or wear red for the rest of 2019.
