Has Jordan Peele redefined Horror Movies?

Jordan Peele made a bold leap into the realm of horror cinema in 2017 with his unforgettable classic, “Get Out.” Since then, he has dedicated himself to honing his craft within this challenging genre. Breaking into a new cinematic territory, especially one as demanding as horror, is no small achievement. Peele, however, has navigated this transition with remarkable finesse, earning himself a well-deserved reputation as a highly respected filmmaker with several notable accomplishments under his belt.

How did Jordan Peele successfully pivot into an entirely unfamiliar genre and creative space? Most of us are familiar with his comedic background, primarily through “Key and Peele” and their renowned sketch comedy. It’s intriguing to witness a comedian known for making us laugh transition into such a serious and dedicated pursuit.

What makes “Get Out” stand out as a cinematic masterpiece? Following its success, Peele followed up with “Us” in 2019, a film that leans more towards traditional horror. However, “Get Out” remains exceptional and groundbreaking, even earning accolades like the prestigious “Best Original Screenplay” award.

What is Jordan Peele bringing to Horror that is new? “Get Out” and its classic influence

As a comedian who transitioned into the role of a horror director, Jordan Peele has masterfully harnessed the ability to evoke the unsettling emotions inherent to the horror genre. “Get Out” presents a chilling experience, with a fresh perspective into the realm of psychological horror.

As a black male, I can personally relate to the palpable unease that Daniel Kaluuya’s character, Chris, experiences in “Get Out.” When you approach the story without any prior knowledge, you can’t quite pinpoint the eerie nature of the situation, which adds to the sense of impending danger. I can easily imagine myself in his shoes, initially dismissing the odd behavior of the white characters as mere randomness or eccentricity, only to later discover the unsettling truth lurking beneath the surface.

Jordan Peele’s deep understanding, particularly as a black man in Hollywood, shines through in his portrayal of the discomfort that comes with being in predominantly white spaces. He skillfully crafts an atmosphere of genuine creepiness and strangeness around Chris, the protagonist. Chris grapples with a pervasive sense of unease, torn between questioning his own paranoia and the unsettling behavior of the affluent older white individuals he encounters. Peele’s casting choice of Daniel Kaluuya, an extremely dark-skinned actor, for this role adds another layer of excellence to the film, contributing to its overall impact and resonance.

Allison Williams delivers an outstanding performance as Rose Armitage, skillfully portraying a character who excels at playing it cool and luring Chris into a sense of trust. Her character appears genuine and even defends Chris, which initially makes her seem like an ally. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that this isn’t Rose’s first time down this unsettling path. Her ability to say and do the right things to achieve her sinister objectives becomes chillingly clear as the film progresses. Williams’ portrayal adds a layer of complexity and deception to the character, making her a pivotal part of the movie’s suspense and intrigue.

What’s next for Jordan Peele…

The journey of witnessing Jordan Peele’s evolution as a director has indeed been a delightful one, marked by captivating follow-up films like “Us” in 2019 and “NOPE” in 2022. Each of his projects showcases innovative ideas impeccably executed by a talented ensemble cast. Lupita Nyong’o’s remarkable portrayal of Red in “Us” was particularly unforgettable, while Daniel Kaluuya’s return alongside Keke Palmer in “NOPE” added to the anticipation and delivered spine-tingling moments, even within the sci-fi genre.

With Jordan Peele’s upcoming film, “Blade,” set to release in 2025, there’s an exciting prospect of witnessing his directorial prowess in full bloom. The anticipation is high, and I trust in his ability to present fresh ideas and concepts for us to savor and enjoy. Peele’s contributions to the world of cinema continue to be a source of excitement and intrigue for audiences everywhere.