Jordan Peele is truly proving himself as a brilliant director in his endeavours of late, and new film 'Us' is no exception, even with a few unanswered questions toward the end.
The opening scenes alone deserves accolades. It's hard to fully commend the stylistic decisions made without spoiling things, but let's just say these are some genius stylistic decisions. As a viewer of the film they draw you in... They're compelling. And the written prologue sets up the story just enough that you're left intrigued without feeling like you know too much.
Madison Curry plays young Adelaide and is utterly convincing in her composure... Truly a young actress with potential for a successful future.
Meanwhile, Lupita Nyong'o deserves any and all the praise she is sure to receive for her role as grown-up Adelaide and her doppleganger, Red. Ahh! The range!
A role like hers is only going to do good things. The fact that she's able to play soft and sweet as well as rough and terrifying (the voice of her doppleganger sends chills down the spine) all in one film means casting directors from a sweep of genres are sure to be chasing her after this if they weren't already. Such a gifted performer.
Winston Duke is a charmer as Gabe. His willingness to stand up for his family when the four doppleganger versions of themselves appear on the driveway is hilarious. You just imagine he's the kind of dad that tells lame jokes, and it's perfect.
Adelaide and Gabe's children Zora (Shahadi Wright Joseph) and Jason (Evan Alex) manage to emulate each of their parents in different ways. Zora's sass is out-of-this-world, and her texting under the blanket after mum says “phone off” is sure to get a lot of laughs based on relatability. Jason holds a certain calmness but there's also a lot of unspoken depth about him. Props to these two young actors who are a further credit to the overall success of the film.
Now, when it comes to loose ends, there's no denying there are a few here. But for some reason, it's okay and almost feels intentional. I'd be equally happy to come to my own conclusions on certain things, as I would to head along to a sequel. Again, it's difficult to go further into this without giving anything away... Just expect to leave the cinema with a couple of questions (why the scissors? Why only one glove on the dopplegangers?) that are most likely open to interpretation.
'Us' is, of course, scary. Jordan Peele certainly has a way with his craft... He can make a slow zoom on a TV playing commercials feel eerie and uncomfortable, and his jump-scares – while sometimes taken from the 'classic horror' playbook – are mostly intelligent filmic choices.
This combination of classic versus contemporary is why Jordan is receiving so much praise from the industry and beyond. He's showing the marks of a true talent who will continue to give the world film it not only wants, but also needs.
'Us' is a stirring and edge-of-your-seat horror held up by an incredibly talented cast (major props to Lupita Nyong'o) and some top shelf directing by the genius Jordan Peele.
★★★★☆ 1/2.
