Get Out

Definition

Get Out is a 2017 horror film directed by Jordan Peele that cleverly combines elements of social commentary with the conventions of the horror genre. This film challenges and subverts traditional expectations of horror by addressing themes of racism, exploitation, and identity, using its genre framework to explore deeper societal issues while maintaining suspense and tension throughout the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Get Out was critically acclaimed for its innovative storytelling and ability to blend horror with social critique, earning Jordan Peele an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
2. The film employs various horror conventions, such as suspenseful music, eerie settings, and jump scares, while also incorporating social commentary on the experiences of Black individuals in predominantly white spaces.
3. One of the film's most memorable aspects is the concept of 'The Sunken Place,' which symbolizes marginalization and loss of agency faced by people of color.
4. Get Out's marketing emphasized its dual nature as both a horror movie and a social commentary, which helped it attract diverse audiences and spark discussions about race relations.
5. The film has been influential in creating a new wave of socially conscious horror, inspiring other filmmakers to explore similar themes within their works.

Review Questions

• How does Get Out utilize genre conventions to address societal issues?
  • Get Out uses traditional horror conventions, such as suspenseful atmospheres and psychological tension, to draw viewers into a narrative that critiques racism and exploitation. By framing the protagonist's terrifying experiences in a familiar horror context, it allows audiences to engage with deeper societal themes while still being entertained. The clever blending of genres creates a unique platform for discussion about racial dynamics in contemporary society.
• In what ways does Get Out subvert typical horror movie expectations?
  • Get Out subverts typical horror movie expectations by shifting the focus from supernatural elements or monstrous villains to real-life issues such as racism and cultural appropriation. Instead of relying solely on physical threats, the film emphasizes psychological horror through the protagonist's experiences within a predominantly white family, which adds layers of tension that challenge audience perceptions. This innovative approach invites viewers to rethink what constitutes true horror in modern society.
• Evaluate the impact of Get Out on the horror genre and its influence on contemporary filmmakers.
  • Get Out has had a significant impact on the horror genre by demonstrating that socially conscious narratives can thrive within traditional frameworks. Its success has inspired contemporary filmmakers to incorporate themes related to race, identity, and social justice into their work, fostering a new wave of socially aware horror. This shift not only broadens the scope of stories being told but also encourages audiences to engage critically with the films they watch, ultimately transforming expectations within the genre.

Related terms

Social Horror: A subgenre of horror that uses horror tropes to address social issues and provoke thought about cultural or societal themes.

Genre Subversion: The act of defying or overturning established conventions and expectations of a particular genre to create something innovative and unexpected.

Psychological Thriller: A genre that focuses on the psychological states of characters, often emphasizing tension and suspense over traditional horror elements.