“Us” – A Horror Film Elevated by Hidden Messages
Jordan Peele’s “Us” stands out in the horror genre not only for its suspenseful story and unexpected twists but also for its deep commentary on human nature and the darker aspects of American society. Peele, known for his unique style, transforms ordinary objects into symbols of terror and meaning. In his previous work, “Get Out,” a simple teacup becomes a tool of hypnosis wielded by the antagonist. In “Us,” scissors are the chosen weapon of the Tethered, symbolizing division and violence.
At the South by Southwest Film Festival, Peele explained why he chose scissors as a central symbol. Beyond their obvious lethality and the unsettling sound they make, scissors are tools that can divide things once united. This perfectly reflects the motivation of the Tethered, who seek to kill their original counterparts to become independent beings. Additionally, rabbits play a significant role in the film, appearing in several key scenes. Peele mentioned in an interview with The Guardian that he chose rabbits because their ears move like scissors, and he finds them both adorable and terrifying.
The film’s score, composed by Michael Abels, effectively enhances the eerie atmosphere of “Us.” Early in the movie, the song “I Got 5 On It” by Luniz plays in its original upbeat form. However, by the end, the song is transformed into a haunting piece, with sharp, abrupt violin notes that heighten the sense of dread. This dual use of the same song mirrors the film’s theme of doppelgängers.
“Us” goes beyond typical horror tropes by embedding deeper messages within its narrative. The Tethered are inspired by the concept of Doppelgängers, mythical creatures that are eerie, evil versions of people, identical in appearance but opposite in nature. The film serves as an allegory for the human struggle with their darker, primal side. The shocking twist at the end further prompts viewers to reflect on the duality of good and evil within themselves.
On a broader scale, “Us” delivers a pointed critique of American society. The title itself, “Us,” can be seen as a reference to the United States (U.S.). The stark contrast between the lives of the original characters and their Tethered counterparts represents the class divide in America. The Tethered’s uprising symbolizes a rebellion against this inequality, evoking both fear and sympathy from the audience. Early in the film, Peele references Hands Across America—a 1986 fundraising event where participants formed a human chain across the country to symbolize unity. This image is later echoed in the film but reinterpreted to represent the deep divisions in American society.
Peele’s background in comedy shines through in the film, as he skillfully incorporates humor without undermining the tension. For instance, the father’s reaction upon first encountering the Tethered adds a touch of levity to the otherwise intense scene.
The red jumpsuits worn by the Tethered bear a resemblance to the outfit Michael Jackson wore in the iconic “Thriller” music video. The release of “Us” coincided with the controversial documentary “Leaving Neverland,” which accuses Jackson of sexual abuse, leading to speculation about the connection. However, Peele clarified to Variety that this was not intentional. “The film explores duality, and Michael Jackson embodies that. He exuded positivity in public, but his image in ‘Thriller’ was terrifying,” Peele explained in an interview with Mashable.
The performances in “Us” are another highlight, with most actors taking on dual roles that require them to portray vastly different characters. Lupita Nyong’o, an Oscar winner for “12 Years a Slave,” delivers a stunning performance as the lead. She masterfully conveys both the terror and anxiety of her character and the unsettling, guttural voice and distorted laugh of her Tethered counterpart. Winston Duke stands out with his comedic timing, providing a unique contrast to the horror. Supporting actors Elisabeth Moss and Shahadi Wright Joseph have less screen time but still leave a strong impression with their menacing expressions. Director of photography Mike Gioulakis works closely with Peele to emphasize the actors’ performances through close-up shots, capturing every nuance of their emotions.
“Us” has been met with critical acclaim, earning a 94% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Following the success of “Get Out” and “Us,” Peele has been hailed by Indiewire as the heir to the legacy of psychological horror masters like Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick. The film also made a strong commercial impact, grossing $29 million on its opening day in the U.S. (March 22), surpassing box office predictions.
