Yes, “Get Out” is genuinely scary, but it achieves its frights in ways that go beyond typical horror tropes. While it certainly has suspenseful moments and jump scares, the true horror lies in its exploration of racial tensions and the insidious nature of racism in contemporary America1. The film masterfully blends classic horror elements with sharp social commentary, creating a unique and unsettling experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll1. One reviewer even called it the “funniest AND scariest movie” they’d seen in ages1!
Jordan Peele, the film’s writer and director, expertly uses the horror genre to expose uncomfortable truths about racism, making “Get Out” both terrifying and thought-provoking3. Peele draws inspiration from classic horror films like “The Stepford Wives” and “Rosemary’s Baby”, but adds a unique racial twist that elevates the film beyond typical horror tropes4. By placing a black protagonist, Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), in a seemingly idyllic white suburban setting, Peele creates a sense of unease and vulnerability that deeply resonates with audiences5.
Psychological Effects of Horror and “Get Out”
Before diving into the specific ways “Get Out” creates fear, it’s important to understand the psychology behind horror movies in general. When we watch a scary movie, our bodies react as if we’re facing a real threat. Our heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, and adrenaline floods our system6. This is the fight-or-flight response kicking in, preparing us to confront or flee from danger.
While these physical reactions are usually temporary and harmless, they can be exhilarating for some viewers, providing a rush of adrenaline and excitement6. This adrenaline rush can even act as a stress reliever, creating a sense of catharsis after the fear subsides7. For others, however, horror movies can trigger anxiety, sleep disturbances, and even panic attacks8. The impact of horror varies depending on individual factors like personality, past experiences, and mental health conditions10.
“Get Out” taps into these psychological effects in unique ways. It doesn’t rely solely on jump scares or gore, but instead creates a pervasive sense of unease and dread that gradually builds throughout the film. This psychological horror is amplified by the film’s social commentary, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about race and society.
The Horror of the “Sunken Place”
One of the most disturbing and iconic scenes in “Get Out” is Chris’s experience in the “Sunken Place”11. This terrifying representation of helplessness and loss of control is achieved through Missy Armitage’s hypnotic powers13. The rhythmic clinking of a spoon against a teacup triggers a trance-like state in Chris, causing him to fall into a dark abyss where he is both conscious and powerless14.
The “Sunken Place” is more than just a scary visual; it’s a powerful metaphor for the black experience in America14. It represents the feeling of being trapped, silenced, and stripped of agency in a society that often devalues and marginalizes black voices. This scene viscerally captures the fear of losing control of one’s own body and identity, a fear that resonates deeply with the film’s themes of racial oppression and the historical trauma of slavery.
Microaggressions and the “Uncanny” Suburbs
“Get Out” masterfully uses the familiar setting of the suburbs to create a sense of unease5. The Armitage family’s home, with its manicured lawns and idyllic facade, should feel welcoming, but instead it becomes a source of creeping dread. This is achieved through the subtle racism and microaggressions that Chris experiences throughout the film4.
The Armitage family and their friends, despite their outward displays of liberalism, constantly make Chris feel like an outsider5. Their seemingly innocent comments and questions about his race, physique, and “genetic makeup” create an atmosphere of tension and discomfort16. For example, Dean Armitage (Bradley Whitford) tells Chris that he would have “voted for Obama a third term,” a seemingly innocuous statement that reveals an underlying sense of white saviorism and a failure to truly understand the black experience3.
This “uncanny” feeling, where the familiar becomes strange and unsettling, is further amplified by the odd behavior of the black groundskeeper and housekeeper, Walter and Georgina5. Their vacant stares and robotic movements suggest that they are not truly free, hinting at the sinister reality lurking beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect community.
Subverting Horror Tropes
“Get Out” cleverly subverts many common horror tropes. One notable example is the absence of a “white savior” character18. In many horror films, a white character often comes to the rescue of the protagonist, reinforcing a narrative of white dominance and black dependence. However, in “Get Out,” Chris must rely on his own resourcefulness and resilience to escape the Armitage family’s clutches.
The film also subverts the typical portrayal of authority figures in horror5. Police officers and other authority figures are often depicted as either incompetent or malevolent in horror films. However, in “Get Out,” the initial encounter with the police officer highlights the very real threat of racial profiling and police brutality that black people face in America. This grounded fear adds another layer of complexity to the film’s horror.
The Twist and the Final Act
While the film builds suspense gradually, the true horror unfolds in the final act when Rose’s true nature is revealed19. The seemingly innocent and supportive girlfriend turns out to be a manipulative and complicit member of the family’s sinister scheme19. This shocking twist shatters the audience’s sense of security and throws Chris into a desperate fight for survival19.
The final act is a blend of classic horror tropes and social commentary, as Chris uses his wits and resilience to escape the Armitage’s clutches18. He even uses the stuffing from a chair to block out the hypnotic sound of the spoon, a clever detail that highlights his resourcefulness and adds to the suspense of the narrative20.
Symbolism and Visual Cues
“Get Out” is rich with symbolism and visual cues that contribute to its unsettling atmosphere. The recurring deer imagery, for example, connects to Chris’s trauma and the film’s themes of vulnerability and exploitation18. The deer, often seen as a symbol of innocence and grace, is repeatedly depicted as injured or hunted in the film, mirroring Chris’s own experience as he is targeted by the Armitage family.
The use of the song “Run Rabbit Run” in the opening scene is another significant detail19. This seemingly cheerful children’s song takes on a sinister tone in the context of the film, hinting at the dark history of racism and the ongoing struggle for black liberation. The song’s lyrics, which urge the rabbit to escape danger, foreshadow Chris’s own fight for survival.
Peele also uses color to heighten Chris’s isolation and sense of otherness. In the party scene, Chris is the only one wearing blue, while everyone else has at least one red component in their clothing23. This visual cue subtly emphasizes Chris’s status as an outsider and foreshadows the danger he is in.
The Ending and its Significance
The ending of “Get Out” is particularly impactful. After escaping the Armitage’s nefarious plans and killing each member of Rose’s family, Chris flees from his murderous girlfriend only to be intercepted by a car with flashing lights2. This scene evokes a sense of dread, as many viewers feared that Chris would become another victim of police brutality. However, the car is revealed to be driven by his friend, Rod (Lil Rel Howery), offering a moment of catharsis and relief5.
Peele considered alternate endings, including one where Chris was arrested by the police5. However, he ultimately chose the ending with Rod because he wanted to offer a glimmer of hope and empowerment for black audiences. This ending subverts the expectation of a tragic outcome and reinforces the importance of community and solidarity in the face of oppression.
Cultural Impact and Social Commentary
“Get Out” is not just a horror film; it’s a powerful social commentary on race relations in America16. The film sparked important conversations about liberal racism, microaggressions, and the commodification of black bodies24. It challenged the notion of a “post-racial” America and exposed the insidious ways in which racism continues to manifest in contemporary society25.
The film’s impact extended beyond critical acclaim and box office success. It influenced conversations about race and representation in Hollywood, paving the way for more diverse stories and talent26. Peele himself acknowledged the film’s role in contributing to a “renaissance happening in Hollywood,” where directors from marginalized groups are getting more opportunities25.
“Get Out” also had a significant impact on how we talk about race. Peele aimed to “add this piece to the conversation, to observe the connection between the subtle, ‘not hurtful’ racism and the worst racism, of violence and slavery and abduction.” 25 The film’s success demonstrated that audiences were ready for a nuanced and unflinching portrayal of racism in America.
Types of Horror and “Get Out”
Horror is a diverse genre with many subgenres, each with its own defining characteristics. Some of the most common subgenres include:
- Slasher: Characterized by a stalker villain who brutally murders a group of people, often teenagers. Examples include “Halloween” and “Friday the 13th“27.
- Supernatural: Involves ghosts, demons, or other paranormal entities. Examples include “The Conjuring” and “Insidious”27.
- Psychological: Focuses on mental and emotional distress, often blurring the lines between reality and perception. Examples include “The Shining” and “Black Swan”28.
- Zombie: Features reanimated corpses that threaten the living. Examples include “Night of the Living Dead” and “28 Days Later”27.
- Monster: Involves creatures that prey on humans, such as vampires, werewolves, or aliens. Examples include “Alien” and “Jaws“27.
“Get Out” blends elements from several horror subgenres. It has aspects of a slasher film, with Chris fighting for survival against a group of antagonists. It also has elements of supernatural horror, with the use of hypnosis and the suggestion of mind control. However, the film primarily leans into psychological horror, creating a sense of unease and dread through its exploration of social anxieties and racial tensions2.
Conclusion
“Get Out” is a truly scary movie that transcends the typical horror genre1. Its unique blend of suspense, social commentary, and psychological horror creates an unsettling and thought-provoking experience2. While it may not rely on traditional scares, the film’s exploration of racial anxieties and the insidious nature of racism is truly terrifying15.
The film’s lasting impact stems from its ability to confront uncomfortable truths about race and society within the framework of a horror film. By using the genre’s conventions to explore real-world fears and anxieties, Peele created a film that is both entertaining and deeply resonant. “Get Out” is a must-watch for horror fans and anyone interested in insightful social commentary within the film genre30. Its success paved the way for more diverse stories and talent in Hollywood, demonstrating the power of film to spark important conversations and challenge societal norms.
Works Cited
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