Get Out (2017)

Daniel Kaluuya as Chris in Get Out

I was not sure what to expect from this film initially, but all my friends began talking about it and instantly my curiosity grew.

Get Out begins like every other horror film out there. A young man walks down a dark suburban street as a car approaches him. The young man is black and he has a lot to fear. Suddenly the person driving the car attacks and we see the young men get dragged into the trunk of the car.

This is where the similarities to other horror films ends. The abducted young man seems unimportant until you realize the importance of the color of his skin.

Black men in horror films usually equal one thing: instant death. Here though, the use of horror is used to tell a much more important story. It is a highly political film.

It will definitely be remembered as one of the best political films out there. It also exceeded box office expectations despite starring relative unknowns.

This is a film about racial tensions although it doesn't necessarily slap you in the face with it. Yes, you start to see it as the story line goes on, but it is fantastically done.

Get Out follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend, Rose (Alison Williams). They have been together a few months and it is time to take the next step: meeting the parents. Rose's parents live in a perfectly white world and while she says they are not racist she admits she hasn't told them her boyfriend is black.

They arrive at Rose's parents house and immediately they try to prove how not racist they are. Chris is tolerant, but it is overwhelming. Rose's dad (Bradley Whitford) is a neurosurgeon. Her mom (Catherine Keener) is a therapist.

Her family is more than welcoming, until her brother shows his racist side during dinner. Chris assures Rose that everything is fine, but he still feels out of place especially concerning the servants working for Rose's family. The next day the family has their annual party. Chris is surrounded by people who mean well, but their comments and actions make him question who he is. He sticks out like a sore thumb and everyone makes sure he knows it.

Daniel Kaluuya in Get Out

Every one makes some sort of inappropriate comment whether they are aware of it or not. There is one other black guest at the party, but he is also oddly okay with his circumstances. Chris needs an escape and when he tries to talk to the female servant she can barely respond. Tears well up, but she smiles through it. She is hurting, but can't seem to express it fully.

Chris, who usually handles everything just fine, needs someone he can vent to. He calls his best friend played by Lil Rey Howery. He is mistrustful of the people Chris is with, and is oddly the voice of reason while also providing comedic relief.

Get Out borrows a lot of elements from classic horror films. It is creepy to watch. Of course it is also meant to offend people as the victims and villains are clearly laid out. Get Out makes you root for the black characters and deservedly so.

Many people in the United States will be able to relate to Chris and his struggles and it is easy to see why this film dominated the box office.