Genre: Thriller/ Horror
Runtime: 116 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss, Tim Heidecker, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Evan Alex, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Anna Diop, Cali Sheldon, Noelle Sheldon, Madison Curry
Description: A family's serenity turns to chaos when a group of doppelgängers begins to terrorize them.
Review: With the psychological thriller “Get Out”, comedian Jordan Peele made one of the most praised directorial debuts ever. But it’s not always a guarantee for a great second film. The expectations were sky high and over-ambitious plots have ruined directors before. But not Jordan Peele. “Us” is another fantastic film.
“Us” focusses on the Wilson family, who are terrorized by a group of doppelgängers during their summer vacation in Santa Cruz. They don’t only look the same, but also think the same. And they want to end the Wilsons. Peele doesn’t only bring an original twist to the standard home invasion story. But it’s best to view this film without too much information.
It’s tempting to compare “Us” to “Get Out”, but they definitely have one thing in common: originality. Peele does have other ambitions then for his debut and chooses a different approach. The biggest difference is that “Us” is pure horror. It circles around the terror and chaos the Wilson go through. The story is less structured and the viewer is constantly being scared.
But this is exactly where Peele shines. He is a visually skilled director and his writing is excellent. It’s all about suspense here. Peele manages to create uncomfortable tension. He learned a lot from John Carpenter and Alfred Hitchcock.
Peele didn’t completely let his roots go, because he used his comedic talent as well. “Us” has humor and it’s mostly Winston Duke that lets us laugh. He plays dad Drew and manages to not overdo it with the comedy and keep it perfectly balanced. And the entire Winston family does a fantastic job. Because they all have to play two roles, who are very different from each other. But the real star is Lupita Nyong’o, without a doubt. She is mother Adelaide, but also the leader of the creepy doppelgängers. Nyong’o is intense, touching, tough and it’s a phenomenal performance.
“Us” maybe not as subtle as “Get Out”, but overall it’s just as good. And the climax is really strong and unexpected. Just like I wanted it. I hope that Jordan Peele can keep up this level and keeps on making strong, original horror films like this. Because originality is very rare in Hollywood these days.
Rating: 5/ 5
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