By Cynthia Ayala

“A young African-American man visits his Caucasian girlfriend’s mysterious family estate.”

    —IMDB

An amazing film that really looks at society and racism, taking it to another extreme that isn’t all that unbelievable. This is one of those films that’s just incredible because it works so well and builds so well. The beginning is so stark, it’s amazing how it works to create this atmosphere of eerie suburbia that everyone sees and no one talks about. But it also tackles society and racism in a remarkable way. It’s a fresh new take on racism and how it functions and can mutate in society taking on several forms, all of which are harmful to any individual. Acting like you’re not racist doesn’t make it true and this film addresses that.

What’s also powerful about the film is how it functions in relation to the past, making it even impactful. Jordan Peele has given new insight into the meaning of slavery with this movie making it more powerful, more meaningful, and more horrific. It’s an astonishing how the film evolves from the opening sequence in order to build the tension and the motivation behind the film. The tension draws the viewer into the film effortlessly, tying them down to the seat. There is a relationship between the film and the viewer established by situation in the film and the way that it focuses on the dynamics between the characters themselves. Peele has tapped into something remarkable with this film, and the way he wrote and styled it, basically towards perfection.

Story aside, the acting was phenomenal as well. Daniel Kaluuya is such a phenomenal actor who portrayed his the right amount of emotion in the film, the right amount of nervousness and suspicion to make this film work while also working around that to find the strength to survive this vacation turned nightmare. The other actors also tap into the film the bring out the horror perfectly. Together they highlight something very wrong with society and the way it works for those in power, those with the means to achieve whatever they want no matter the costs.

At the end of the day, this is just a powerful film because the acting, the writing, and the direction serve to bring to life a powerful message. Read between the lines and listen to what this film is trying to teach you, it’s important. (★★★★ | A+)

—Film Credits—

Directed by Jordan Peele

Written by Jordan Peele

Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, Stephen Root, Lakeith Stanfield & Catherine Keener

Rating | Length | Genre: R | 1h 44min | Horror, Mystery

Distributed by Universal Pictures