Get Out (2017): A Thrilling Exploration of Racial Tension and Psychological Horror
Get Out (2017): A Thrilling Exploration of Racial Tension and Psychological Horror
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, “Get Out” (2017), is a film that redefined the horror genre by blending psychological terror with sharp social commentary. What begins as a seemingly straightforward story about a young Black man meeting his white girlfriend’s parents evolves into a nightmarish exploration of racism and control.
The Premise
The film follows Chris Washington, a talented Black photographer, as he prepares to meet the family of his girlfriend, Rose Armitage, for the first time. Though apprehensive about the visit, Chris is reassured by Rose that her family is progressive and open-minded. However, from the moment they arrive at the Armitage estate, Chris senses that something is off.
The initial awkwardness of meeting the parents—Dean, a neurosurgeon, and Missy, a hypnotherapist—quickly turns unsettling as their overly accommodating behavior and strange remarks raise Chris’s suspicions. The family’s Black servants, Walter and Georgina, exhibit bizarre behavior, adding to the mounting tension. As the weekend unfolds, Chris uncovers a chilling secret that forces him to fight for his life.
Psychological Horror with a Social Edge
“Get Out” isn’t just a horror film; it’s a scathing critique of modern-day racism disguised under the veneer of liberalism. Peele masterfully uses horror tropes to explore the anxieties and fears experienced by Black individuals in predominantly white spaces. The film’s horror is deeply psychological, playing on Chris’s—and the audience’s—growing sense of unease and paranoia.
One of the most iconic scenes in the movie is when Missy Armitage hypnotizes Chris, sending him into the “Sunken Place.” This visual metaphor for the powerlessness experienced by marginalized groups is haunting and has since become a cultural reference point.
Subverting Expectations
Peele subverts traditional horror expectations by using familiar elements in new, thought-provoking ways. The film’s twist—that the Armitage family is harvesting the bodies of Black individuals to transplant the consciousness of white buyers into them—serves as a metaphor for the appropriation and exploitation of Black culture and bodies.
The tension in “Get Out” is not derived from jump scares or gore but from the slow realization of the horror that lies beneath the surface of politeness and normalcy. This approach allows the film to comment on the insidious nature of racism, which often hides behind a facade of friendliness and acceptance.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Get Out” was a critical and commercial success, earning Peele an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and solidifying his status as a new voice in horror. The film resonated with audiences not just for its thrills but for its insightful commentary on race relations in America.
The term “Sunken Place” has since entered the cultural lexicon, representing a state of oppression and helplessness. Peele’s ability to weave together horror and social commentary has inspired a new wave of filmmakers to explore similar themes, making “Get Out” a landmark in modern cinema.
Conclusion
“Get Out” is more than just a horror movie; it’s a profound statement on race, identity, and the fears that haunt our society. By blending suspense with biting social critique, Jordan Peele created a film that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. Whether you’re a horror fan or someone interested in socially relevant cinema, “Get Out” is a must-watch that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
