Today sees the release of the Blu-ray/DVD of one of the highest rated films of 2017, the horror/thriller GET OUT from director Jordan Peele. There’s something to say about the current political climate when one watches GET OUT and finds themselves shifting in their seats. Watching this movie is like when you get together with your extended family for the holidays and you’re scared the racist uncle of yours might say something when someone with the lightest of dark skin walks by. There’s an overall sense of dread as the uncertainty of what direction this movie will go haunts throughout its entire running time. Even when the audience gets their explanation of what’s going on, there’s still an uneasiness of what you read in the headlines might end up playing out on screen. With GET OUT, writer/director Jordan Peele, who’s known for his comedy roots, steers clear and embraces the horror genre, bringing a fresh voice fans have been craving.

Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) is a photographer who is about to meet his girlfriend’s parents for the first time. He is initially hesitant as it turns out his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), has not told her parents that Chris is black. While she attempts to comfort him by promising him that they are not racist and would vote for Obama for a third term if they could, he knows it’s more than just that. He meets her parents, Missy and Dean, who appear nice yet peculiar. Dean turns all their small talk into black references and Missy is persistent that she hypnotizes Chris to help with his cigarette habit. On top of that, there’s the black servants who work for Rose’s parents. Their mannerisms are robotic and speak as if provided a script. The visit gets only stranger as time goes and Chris must recognize if this is mere paranoia caused by racial tension or if a much bigger picture is at play.

GET OUT provides a scary experience by not spoon feeding the audience what they need to know, but by allowing us to witness the discomfort millions of Americans face daily. Much of the movie will be taken differently as you’ll either be mortified or find the humor in ignorance as Peele does so in his own style. Kaluuya is the breakout star as Chris, our protagonist who is forced to acknowledge his demons and still find a way to maintain his own sanity. Williams can step aside from Marnie, her most well-known role in the HBO series “Girls”, and does so with an ease that’s sure to guarantee more leading roles that I’m surprised she hasn’t gotten yet. Betty Gabriel as Georgina, the maid with the big smile, delivers one of the scariest performances I’ve seen in years. A mere close up and watching her verbalize the simplest of dialogue is legit some haunting material. Peele knows he hit the gold mine with her and is not ashamed to let her shine.

There are plenty of scares to be had in GET OUT, but Peele knows the story is what fans will carry with them here. He tells of an experience many may not relate, but there are for sure plenty who do. It feels fresh and familiar at the same time, but touches on themes one might normally avoid if they weren’t watching a horror movie. Chris, at one point, is asked to discuss the black experience and is taken aback as this is brought up in front of a bunch of rich white people during a big rich white party. How should he answer this question versus should he answer the question are both things that probably crossed his mind. Peele somehow can create a movie that touches on racism and even slavery and make it both horrifying and funny at the same time. GET OUT proves that putting money behind a diverse group of filmmakers can boost interest as original stories are just waiting to be told. GET OUT is an all-American nightmare that doesn’t shy away from the truth and will keep fans talking for years to come.

If you’re itching for more GET OUT, the Blu-ray/DVD is chalk full of special features, including an alternate ending and loads of commentary by Jordan Peele. Make sure you pick up a copy as this is one film you will not want to miss out on.

GET OUT is now available to own on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD

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Jovy Skol

Jovy grew up loving all kinds of horror movies which is ironic because his parents hated them. CANDYMAN still scares the shit out of him and it doesn’t help that he lives in the Chicago suburbs. He loves venturing into lesser-known exploitation films of the 70s and being introduced to new movies. Along with movies, Jovy loves horror video-games and books, including comics. Some of his favorite franchises include SILENT HILL, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, and the RESIDENT EVIL games.

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