No justice there’s now just US

Us (2019)
R | 1h 56min | Horror, Thriller | 22 March 2019 (USA)

Synopsis: A family’s serenity turns to chaos when a group of doppelgängers begins to terrorize them.

Spoiler Free Review: Obviously after the success of Get Out I could not wait to see the follow up Jordan Peele flick, US. There is no doubt that Peele has an uncanny grasp of the thriller genre and the ability for unique story telling. At the same time that is a lot of expectation for both the viewer and filmmaker. Can it live up to what we all expect? Did we expect too much? Not sure the reason but I wanted more from this one than I got. Was it a fun experience? Yes. Could it have been better? Absolutely.

The last thing I want to do is compare Peele to M. Night Shyamalan. But I’m going to anyway. The Sixth Sense was a film that shattered everything we knew about thrillers. It was mind blowing and elevated Shyamalan to the pinnacle of writer director. But it is arguably his best film to date. He has told some amazing stories and entertained us, yes, but nothing close to that first offering. I feel that Peele is following that path. I look so forward to everything he has planned for us but Get OUt will never be equalled. imho

US is about a suburban family like any other heading to their family lake house for a summer vacation. They haven’t even been there 48 hours when a family very similar to theirs shows up out of nowhere. The terror begins and it is non stop until the credits roll. That is one major positive – and there are others – of this film and that is how quick it gets into the action. We get just enough background to understand key elements but it doesn’t linger on that which is not important.

For those who love bloody action this one is for you. Once things kick in gear it is a splattering of gore and glory. The visuals and doppelgänger characters are insanely cool and creepy. Peele creates a horrifying situation that is chillingly unique. He then trusts his actors to bring both to life in a battle royal. All of this is mixed with the same dark humor that we saw in Get Out. The dad (Winston Duke) delivers most of the humor with his jokes and antics. It is realistic in the fact that most of us dads and husbands think we could handle anything and rise up to protect our families. But when faced with insane opposition we really see that we are not super heroes.

I can not say enough about the dual performance of Lupita Nyong’o. They way she portrays her character is award worthy and should enter the realms of horror characters. So amazing. Also kudos to Elisabeth Moss as well. She is fun ot watch in this one and lets her creepy flag fly. Both of these ladies make this story even more engaging.

The negative points are blatant but do not ruin the story. There are so many plot holes and a strong lack of continuity that might take you out of the moment if you focus too long on them. Let those go and you will be fine.

I am going to keep the review short and make sure there are no spoilers or too much plot reveals. See it for sure and see it on the big screen. Go in with level headed expectations and if you love the genre you will love this film. It is rated R for violence/terror, and language. so please leave the kids at home. Triple please. I will say I look forward to seeing it again now that I know what I know. Ok, being quiet now.