“Us” – Jordan Peele Back to Making Us Question Who We Are (Spoilers)

Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures

March saw a new horror film from acclaimed director Jordan Peele, and it was truly an impressive film to watch unfold.

Following the Wilson family as they are attacked by vicious doppelgangers, Jordan Peele’s “Us” shows us deeply impressive acting from now veteran-actress Lupita Nyong’o and fellow actors/actresses Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseph, and Evan Alex.

The film from the beginning establishes itself as one that won’t self-indulge. It is deeply rooted in a completely original story, which differs from the traditional horror films we’ve been subjected to recently. As the story unfolds and we meet the doppelganger family of the Wilsons, we see impeccable horror acting and the complete dismissal of classic horror movie clichés, adding an additional level of discomfort as we’re finally given a film we can’t predict.

The Wilsons also differ from other horror movie families, as they’re not idiots. The family is a realistic family that is pushed into an unthinkable situation (having to fight exact copies of themselves to the death) and they handle it with a level of comedy and realism that puts the audience at ease. We are able to connect to this family, not just watch the actors portray them.

Peele reportedly had the actors watch multiple classic horror films to build a mood around how to approach his film. One of the most important films to Peele, “The Shining”, has visual connections throughout “Us” with the usage of the Sheldon sisters mirroring the Grady daughters and their subsequent deaths emulating the horrific stills of the dead sisters in “The Shining”.

There are even more creative Easter eggs throughout the film, including the final twist when Adelaide is discovered to be the original Red the whole time. We then notice that Adelaide’s white shirt she wore before this all began is now stained red with the blood of her doppelganger, she is now Red. The film likely needs to be seen multiple times to be completely understood, which is further proof that Peele is too smart for us.

The film features a beautiful and strong visual approach in its cinematography. Focusing on shadowed lighting, extreme closeups, and saturated colors, the film hides imagery in the blurred background and movement, causing sincere discomfort in the audience as nothing is expected. The film also features a string heavy score that sends chills down every audience member.

Overall, Peele is establishing himself as a reliable and creative horror and suspense director, and he will likely stay solidified in this position as he progresses further into his career, from The Twilight Zone, Peele’s next project on CBS, and Beyond.