AN umbral nightmare that follows you: A film review of Us:

JORDAN PEELE'S SOPHOMORE FILM "US" IS A MASTERCLASS IN THE IDENTITY HORROR GENRE. WHILE NOT A PERFECT FILM, IT ACCOMPLISHES SO MUCH RIGHT, THIS FILM CEMENTS Peele's STATUS AS THE NEW STANDARD BEARER AND OF THE BEST HORROR CREATORS OF OUR TIME.

US (2019)
Directed by Jordan Peele 
Horror, Thriller
Rated R for violence/terror, and language.
Run Time-120 minutes
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The film begins with young Adelaide(Madison Curry) spending the evening with her parents at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in 1986. While her aloof father is much too concerned in besting the whack-a-mole game, she roams down to the beach and into a fun house of mirrors, where she has an unexplained confrontation that leaves her visibly and profoundly shaken.

The first ten minutes of the film, are some of the tensest and nerve-wracking moments ever presented on the silver screen, the contrast between the horror of the vast black expanse of ocean, and the claustrophobic, and entrapping fun house make for a terrifying setup. 

Flash forward to the present: Now grown Adelaide (Lupita Nyong'o) is married to Gabe (Winston Duke), with a teen daughter, Zora (Shahadi Wright Joseph), and a young son, Jason (Evan Alex). While the family spends their holiday at their summer home, Gabe suggests that they take the family on a trip to the beach and take a visit back to Santa Cruz. Additionally, they plan on meeting with affluent family friends Josh, and Kitty Tyler(Tim Heidecker & Elisabeth Moss) and their twin daughters; though the idea of returning to the site of her trauma horrifies Adelaide, she unenthusiastically agrees.

After a potential family scare as Jason gets lost for a moment and wanders off at the beach, the family retreats home for a peaceful night in, only to have their rest broken by a most improbable set of intruders... themselves, lined up across their driveway: are four exact doppelgangers of the family.

I am hesitant to say any more, as I am a firm believer in not spoiling this film. I strongly encourage you to go into this movie, with as little knowledge as you can. 

Beyond the impressive cinematography and design by Mike Gioulakis, the score of this film is the unsung hero, hats off to Michael Abele and his astounding ability to set the tone for this macabre universe that Peele created. 

I would also be remiss not the mention the little details in this film that make is so good, from the clever foreshadowing, to the finesse in the film techniques, there was a jaw-dropping split diopter shot in the later part of the movie that left me speechless. 

No film is complete without a talented group of actors, and this film is set to burst with talent. This film though rightfully belongs to Lupita Nyong’o. Her outstanding duel performances throughout the film that are guaranteed to garner future awards, if she doesn't receive any professional recognition will be sorely disappointed. 

Like Peele's previous film “Get Out,” “Us” is an experience of extraordinary dread-soaked momentum, filled with moments of humor and visceral tension.That being said, I don't believe "US" can compete with its impressive Oscar winning forerunner "Get Out," but I don't think it has too, I believe that despite this films minor imperfections it will soon to become cult classic, and this will be the film that will be studied and taught for years to come. 

I highly encourage multiple viewings of this film, because whether you want it to or not this "US" is a film that can't help but follow you. 

Cast and Production Crew
Lupita Nyong'o as Adelaide Wilson
Winston Duke as Gabriel "Gabe" Wilson
Evan Alex as Jason Wilson
Shahadi Wright Joseph as Zora Wilson
Elisabeth Moss as Mrs. Tyler
Tim Heidecker as Mr. Tyler
Kara Hayward- as Nancy
Director/Writer-Jordan Peele 
Cinematographer- Mike Gioulakis
Editor- Nicholas Monsour
Composer-Michael Abels