US Review
Q
Writing:
Jordan Peele manages to expertly balance exhilarating thrills, super creepy chills and absolutely laugh out loud moments usually within mere moments of each other. His film also manages to have a timely sociopolitical message at its heart without being preachy about it. 5/5
Cinematography:
Jordan Peele's DP on this project Mike Gioulakis manages to help crank up the tension with some great cinematography particularly in the home invasion scene. 4.5/5
Soundtrack:
Composer Michael Abel uses the trademark squiggly violins to expertly chilling effect mixing in a creepy children's choir and some nasty industrial sounds, the film also uses a disturbing remix of "I Got 5 On It" which you've undoubtedly heard in the films trailer it also uses the beach boys to excellent effect. 5/5
Editing:
The editing is pretty much your standard affair with its use of flashbacks to tell the story but the pacing and the continuous left turns help elevate it from your average horror affair. 4/5
Directing:
Jordan Peele manages to continue what is an underrated horror renaissance period or golden age depending on your take. The film is very purposeful in its deliriously exciting execution. 5/5
Acting:
Lupita N'yongo's (12 Years A Slave) dual performances easily show off her dynamic range going from easily likeable to disturbingly hypnotic, she is backed by some fantastic supporting performances including; Winston Duke (Black Panther) as the supportive and sympathetic husband who is also hilarious, Shahadi Wright Joseph and Evan Alex give great performances as children thrown into an unthinkable situation and Tim Heidecker (Bridesmaids) and the ever brilliant Elizabeth moss (The Handmaid's Tale) provide a humourous look at a marriage falling apart. 5/5
Overall:
US is genuinely terrifying, laugh out loud hilarious and brilliantly exhilarating and that's all usually within one scene, overall it's a damn near masterpiece.
10/10
