“Us” is a Cutting-Edge Film… And It’s Not Because of the Golden Scissors

If there’s two guarantees from the film “Us,” it’s that you will walk out of the film wondering what the hell you just watched and that you’ll be terrified of people dressed in red from now on. While it may come off as a bit odd, there’s no doubt that the film is original, and that is what we so desperately need in both the film and horror industries nowadays (don’t worry – I too love my Marvel movies and my Stephen King remakes — “Us” is just revitalizing the originality). Peele shines as writer and director once again, and there’s no doubt that this film will become a household name like “Get Out.”

SOCIAL COMMENTARY. Whoa sorry. Did I scare you there? If the plot isn’t scary enough for you, the light they shine on our society will be. Sad part? What they commentate on is true. We all know “Get Out” and its commentary about being African American in America, and this one doesn’t stray away from that either. “Us” tackles race, cultural tension, family dynamics and falters, concepts of trust, truth and that our own worst enemy is in fact ourselves.

Although a stretch, many critics even shed light on the fact that the film is “Us,” or U.S., and that the entire film is applicable to our own nation, making the ruthless violence between the “tethered” and the “real” people all the more terrifying. Sure, men and women with gold scissors are inherently scary, but what’s scarier is the reflection you have, to try to understand all the disparities happening in our world. Spooky stuff, huh?

Further apologies for the impending pun, but it’s worth mentioning that Lupita Nyong’o kills it – not many people can make guttural shouting and a red jumpsuit so pleasing. In fact, the entire cast is pretty stellar (the twins who played baby Emma in “Friends” are in it – small world!) and provide a pretty chilling portrayal of how most of us would really act in a situation as dire as theirs. Nyong’o is loving and terrifying all at once and truly makes us question how far we would go to protect both our kids and ourselves.

While “Us” starts off rather slow, it is still worth the watch. It is never thoroughly gory, rather it relies on symbolism and commentary to make you shiver in your seat, and isn’t that the best kind of horror? Maybe not for everyone, but it gets down closer to what the essence of it should be. Peele outdoes himself again and will be sure to haunt you with that wretched eerie soundtrack. As of now, the film has made over $128 million dollars at the box office, and there’s reason to it. Need I say more?

Rating: 4 Rabbits out of 5