REVIEW: New thriller ‘Us’ forces viewers to reflect on identity

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Riley Garand, Staff Writer

After watching director, writer and producer Jordan Peele’s 2019 film “Us,” I am more than excited that my twin and I are fraternal, leaving me without a true doppelganger walking around.

Through a beautifully grotesque storyline, powerful cast and unlimited twists and turns, Peele’s film makes viewers think deeply about not only America, but themselves.

“Us” is about the Wilsons, an American suburban family, who go on vacation to Santa Cruz, California, and stay at the childhood home of the mother, Adelaide (Lupita Nyong’o). Wilson family members also include Adelaide’s husband, Gabe (Winston Duke), daughter Zora (Shahadi Wright Joseph) and son Jason (Evan Alex) who are all pawns in Peele’s newest creation. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows on this vacation. As the family is about to take a hard look into their reflection in the mirror, all they see is red.

The movie takes place in present day America, but shifts back and forth between Adelaide’s childhood in the 1980’s. “Us” provides nostalgia, as well as classic horror, to create the perfect masterpiece.

The focus of the film is on Adelaide  and her struggles from the past, as she’s now settled down with her family. Nyong’o delivers a standout performance playing two characters at once. That being said, all of the actors who play the Wilson family prove powerful in playing double.

At a glance it’s a standard horror flick, but “standard” and “normal” are not what Peele is known for. Topics like identity, the political climate, social class and conspiracy theories are all brought up in this schmorgesborg of a movie. Classifying “Us” just as a horror flick would be a disservice, but you truly won’t look at rabbits the same again.

“Us” is the type of movie that screams for attention and deserves it. Find two hours of your day, and take a break from your busy work week to watch “Us.” This type of meaningful, and suspenseful writing is what made Peele’s 2017 film “Get Out” so successful. “Us” is a good example of  a more thoughtful horror movie, but viewers could miss the hidden meanings and easter eggs. I recommend watching it twice. Don’t blink.

Peele looks to scare, and I’d say job well done.  Every American should watch this movie and take a hard look at themselves in the mirror and question what they see. “Us” will confuse and amaze you up until the ending credits.