This Film Will Not "Get Out" of Your Head

*Any and all images in this review are for the benefit of the critique and analysis, and are thus protected under the Fair Use Policy of the United States Copyright Law.
**This review will contain spoilers for Get Out

I usually write my reviews within about an hour of seeing a movie. This way I can ensure that my reactions are kept fresh and my opinions and reactions are my own. This is how I have reviewed the last several films on this blog, and the system works and the articles are strong.

I found myself needing to take a few extra days with this review. I saw the film on Saturday, March 25, 2017, and am just now able to actually review the film. This is the level to which this film plays with your mind.

If you had told me a year ago that a woman holding a teacup would be one of the most psychologically terrifying characters I will see, I would have laughed you out of the room. Now, I'd be saying "Go on", and wanting to hear you out.

Get Out takes the conceptual fear that many have of hypnotism (that a stranger may use this to gain access to your mind for malicious purposes) and extrapolates it to the extreme. While the science of this film may not always be sound, the fear and terror created are remarkable to behold.

I won't fully explain the twist, as it is nearly impossible to describe without the rest of the film. However, there are several different themes within the expressed themes that lend themselves to be discussed. One such idea is the concept of inverted racism. This comes in the desire and demand for black persons in the plot, including known celebrities such as Barrack Obama and Tiger Woods. Some desire people like this for their talents, while others idolize them almost as a fashion style. This is perhaps the eriest element of this film, as the family is kidnapping and hypnotizing African Americans almost exclusively.

I will say one of the best elements of this film is the cinematography and the artistry with the abstract elements. This is perhaps best illustrated with the initial hypnosis on Chris Washington, played by Daniel Kaluuya, pictured here:

Chris Washington Falls Into The Sunken Place in Get Out

In these instances, the cinematography has a free-floating feel, and gives an eerie sense of weightlessness, similar to what Chris is feeling at this moment. In the sunken place, there is a floating rectangle, reminiscent of a flat screen television, which shows what is happening in the real world as seen by the eyes of his body. However, there is an eerie out-of-body experience while remaining within his body. These sequences remind me of the floating terror of Gravity, and actually can justify an IMAX screening of the film.

In terms of acting, there is always that eeriness within the Armitage Family, with the exception of Rose, played by Allison Williams. In her case, Allison plays a very natural character who seems to genuinely care for Chris. This makes it even more devastating when it is revealed that she is in on the scheme. 

Daniel Kaluuya as Chris (Left) and Allison Williams as Rose (Right)

The chemistry of these two is incredibly strong, and ultimately makes the twist and the ending more devastating in the long run. At no point is there any doubt about their faith and compassion for each other.

Opposite the serious nature of the film, there is a comic relief character by the name of Rod Williams, played by LilRel Howery. 

LilRel Howery, as Rod Williams, asks help from the police to go rescue Chris.

This character is a fantastic addition and really rounds out the film. His natural comedic nature, in addition to not being taken seriously as a TSA Officer, but also taking his job way too seriously, helps alleviate what would otherwise be extremely uncomfortable tension in pivotal scenes.

There are very few films in this genre that would justify going to the theater to see, but Get Out is definitely on that list in my book. So "Get Out" there and see this film if you enjoy movies that will mess with your mind.

Let me know what you thought of Get Out in the comments below.

Click here to order the movie.

This review was suggested by Joe Klienbriel