Us - A Movie Review

They say everyone has a double - but that’s not always a good thing.

Us is a 2019 horror film. A family goes on a vacation to enjoy some time together. However, that all comes to end when one night they find that they are not alone. Stalked by doppelgangers who look exactly like them, nobody rests until the fight of their life has ended.

Reluctantly turning off the lights to watch Us, a wild thunderstorm was happening outside of my home. Us is a terrifying film. It has become one of my new favorites. This movie completely fooled me, and now I can never watch it the same way again. Based on the use of skillful story tactics, Us is a horror masterpiece.

I am very impressed with Lupita Nyong’o’s performance. Not only did Nyong’o play Adelaide, a woman with a traumatic past, but she completely mutates into the sinister doppelganger, Red, with the most frightening voice that I have ever heard. She even scared the director! As other viewers have remarked, I agree that Nyong’o was overlooked during awards season.

Playing the other members of the Wilson family, including their doppelgangers, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseph, and Evan Alex did a tremendous job. I laughed at most of Duke’s deliveries. The family succeeded in making chilling counterparts of their doppelgangers. Whether howling like an animal, wearing an evil smile, or offputting movements, I actually forgot that these were the same actors playing the human counterparts of the Wilsons.

Us proved to be the ultimate acting challenge. Other credits include Elisabeth Moss and Tim Heidecker as the Tylers. Expect appearances by Cali Sheldon and Noelle Sheldon, the two actresses who shared the role of baby Emma in the hit TV series Friends! Just like the Wilsons, they did exemplary and creepy jobs as the Tyler’s doppelgangers.

Newcomer Madison Curry was outstanding. Her abilities to express with only her face made for a frightening opening to the film. I am looking forward to seeing what films Curry appears in next.

One of my favorite parts about Us is how a touch of comedy was added. No question, this movie is very scary. The moments of comedy helped audiences relieve themselves from the constant tension. The horror is all based on the unknown and our fears. Is there someone who looks just like us in the world? And if there is, what are they planning to do?

The soundtrack is unsettling. The music is what makes this movie all the more precarious. It even plays as a character of its own, preparing audiences for the danger that is about to happen. That and the use of lighting effects were administered well. I don’t think I will ever walk through a maze of mirrors again.

I have to applaud Jordan Peele for his tremendous direction! His attention to subtly, character construction, camera angles, and editing proved to be a masterpiece. During one significant moment of the film, I sat with my mouth hanging open. He mastered hidden clues so well I have furiously gone back to research the signals that I missed. Peele did an excellent job.

Us has raised some questions. The whole backstory around the doppelganger’s existence and overall plan are not explained fully. I also feel like the existence of these doppelgangers could have been formed for a better reason, or not all.

I cannot imagine sitting in a dark theater watching Us. I do recommend it, but I have to warn you that it is scary. It’s off-putting. It’ll mess with your mind. And the doppelgangers, Lupita Nyong’o specifically, is startling. Be prepared and have a good time.