Jordan Peele of Key & Peele makes his directorial debut playing on the fears of being the only black guy at an all white gathering. Chris, the main character, is an orphaned photographer with a hot white girlfriend. He goes to visit the parents and finds himself caught in a bizarre world where rich white people (big spoilers ahead) kidnap healthy black people and do something pretty unspeakable to them. It’s kind of like a modern take on slavery.
Chris’s friend, Rob, adds the comic relief and it’s really funny. Almost too funny, because it kinda undermines the horror. I heard the original ending of this movie was kind of a downer, but that would’ve been consistent with a true horror movie. Instead it’s more of a very dark Key & Peel sketch. I enjoyed most of the movie, but there were a few moments that detracted. I also found the entire set up a bit too unbelievable. I mean, you have to suspend your disbelief to ride along, but the movie was a little inconsistent within its own confines. And there are just a few moments where you’re like, “Wouldn’t it be easier to do X instead of Y?”
The main character, Chris, has a great back story. Unfortunately, the final payoff doesn’t happen. Peel instead focuses on the final confrontation with the girlfriend and Rob. I think it would’ve been more effective to focus on the mother (Catherine Keener), whose talents trap Chris. Stephen Root also has a good role. Both he and Catherine get far too little screen time, which is a shame, because their characters are two of the most interesting. Maybe there were budgetary concerns, I don’t know. Still, it’s not a bad rental, especially for the final joke at the end. It’s dark, but it’s funny.
So I give Get Out a moderate thumbs up. It’s not a bad ride if you can catch it on Netflix or something.
