Us

It can be difficult for a director to follow-up a great impactful debut film. The amount of expectations placed on them based on that success is felt through the quality of that next feature. It can prove if their first film was a fluke through a quality downturn (one-hit wonder) or if it wasn't an accident with some of their strengths shining through. Jordan Peele, most commonly affiliated with the comedy work he did with Keegan-Michael Key on Comedy Central, entered a new career path by winning audiences and critics over with his directorial debut Get Out (2017). The way it was crafted along with the social commentary attached to it became a much needed change for the horror genre the public was looking for (for my thoughts on Get Out, check out my review of it). This brings us to his latest work Us, which he wrote and directed. The marketing campaign appeared very intriguing by displaying small pieces of its premise along with samples of chilling visuals. It received positive reviews from critics but seems to have appeared divisive towards audiences. I entered the auditorium to see how Jordan has grown from his debut and left it happy that I enjoyed it but recognizing that area that's causing outside discussions from first viewings.

What's it about? The story follows a likable family being stalked and hunted by creepy doppelgängers. Much like Get Out, there isn't too much to discuss about this without spoiling it but there's still plenty to comment on. The first half of the film is definitely the most polished and intense area where the strengths of the directing shine through. The intensity certainly builds up and feels unpredictable to where the concern for the situation at hand is very fascinating. Establishing the personalities of the family members to build the investment in their characters is done well by the point where their look-alike doubles become that threat to their livelihood.

However, the second half is where the source of the audience division is found as the horror element is traded in for an entertaining thriller angle. The quality dwindles when the hunt begins as it feels like the potential and scare factors are lost. Personally this wasn't an issue since it was still entertaining with how the balance of comedy and creepiness was still there but those looking for a crazy emotional rollercoaster will find some issues. What would have helped that aspect is if the chase was trimmed down in the length since it can get tedious after a while. There are some solid kills in here since the budget is slightly bigger in this feature film.

How's the direction and writing? Peele's directing prowess has improved with the performances of the actors being so captivating. His selection of camera shots to help himself standout shouldn't be underestimated. A great example of that craft shown in the opening sequence where the ingredients for a flashback work to perfection. That kind of effort put in the direction should be commended in capturing the audiences attention to the story at hand.

His writing, on the other hand, takes a risk by spoon feeding the exposition in the second and third acts. There's not a problem with giving the necessary information out to the viewers but then there comes a point where ambiguity would have been much better. This is evident with the ending where a certain twist is revealed, resulting in opening up potential plot holes. If it was never explicitly shown, an aura of mystery would have been maintained by the conclusion. So while his directing has improved, his script writing skills need more work to be fine tuned better.

How's Lupita N'yongo? Since the story involves doppelgänger's, the actors are pulling double duty as their individual selves and the look-alike. The best performance to look out for comes from Lupita as she provides powerful acting chops to these separate characters: an empathetic character and a villainous side. The way she emotes that fear in the face of danger and being the creepiest hunter in the film is excellent. She's so good that the Academy is likely going to ignore her portrayal here when it comes to nominations as they typically don't go with horror (like with Toni Collette from Hereditary), unless Jordan Peele's previous success with Get Out gives him a little bit of pull in that area.

How's everyone else? As for the other members of the family/their respective look-alike, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Jackson, Evan Alex all give good performances in those roles. They each fulfill the personality and mannerisms found with the good/bad versions of their characters very well that highlights interesting contrasts to one another (major kudos to the makeup work on Evan as the creepiest looking hunter in the movie). Honorable mentions go to Elizabeth Moss and Tim Heidecker for their contributions to the entertainment value in their limited screen time as good supporting roles.

Overall Consensus: Us provides an intriguing premise that's bolstered by great acting, solid entertainment, creepy suspense, great directing, and a strong first half, despite suffering from writing issues in the second half of the film. ⭑⭑⭑⭑🎟🍿 Runtime: 1 hour 56 minutes R

Reasons to watch it: You like any of the aforementioned actors. You have seen Get Out and are curious about how Jordan Peele has grown with his career in terms of his directing and writing. You want to see an entertaining but creepy type of horror film that has humor and slasher elements balanced together. You don't mind a twist that might expose some logic issues. You want to see the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk featured in a scary movie.

Reasons to avoid it: You dislike any of the aforementioned actors. You don't want to see an entertaining but creepy type of horror film that has humor and slasher elements balanced together. You would have issues with a twist that might expose some logic issues.