- Us (2019. Dir. Jordan Peele). The Wilsons (father Gabe, mother Adelaide, daughter Zora and son Jason) take a vacation in Santa Cruz, despite Adelaide’s misgivings. As a child, she had gotten lost in a hall of mirrors —and seemingly came to face to face with her doppelgänger. Perhaps it was just her imagination —or perhaps not, because that very night the Wilsons find their home invaded by four strangers… who are their exact replicas!
Director Peele’s follow-up to his groundbreaking “Get Out” is another terrific horror movie. The chilling atmosphere and complex script are buoyed a fine cast (in particular lead Lupita Nyong’o), all effectively giving double performances: The laidback, often kooky real people and their deranged evil duplicates. Much has been discussed about the movie’s themes and message, not to mention the divisive third act. I would argue that “Us” simply follows a tradition of strong, challenging horror films that invite multiple viewings. To be sure, it’s one of those movies where the last twist forces you to reconsider everything that’s gone before in a whole new light.
All in all, a terrific horror film, recommend both for genre fans and not.
