There are two things that horror movies tend to iconize. The obvious ones are horror characters. Freddy, Jason, Michael Myers, and Leatherface are what I like to call the big four. Venerable horror figures with franchises that can last the test of time. Horror characters that multiple actors can play without anybody getting upset about it. I’m a man of a certain age, and the Halloween costumes of all four characters are just as relevant now as they were in the 90s and, quite possibly, into the ’80s.
The other thing that horror movies absolutely iconize is directors. Iconic horror directors tend to stay around for a really long time and not branch out into any other genre. They catch on quickly with audiences, gain trust, and establish themselves as sort of titans of the genre.
This is what happened with Jordan Peele in 2017. Why? Because in his directorial debut… he made an iconic horror film called GET OUT. Yes, GET OUT is an iconic horror film. It does all of the things that iconic horror films do. And it does them in spades.
Iconic horror scenes? Well, there are at least three here that have become part of the pop culture lexicon. One is the party scene with LaKeith Stanfield. Another is the movie’s ending. Most notably is the teacup scene.
Idiosyncratic style? Well, Jordan Peele is an aficionado of the genre, and through multiple viewings of this film, you might find a new homage to an iconic horror film that came before. GET OUT essentially is a modern-day INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS, but his personal style is adding social commentary to the proceedings – something he’s done with every film that he’s made so far.
And it’s also just as funny as it is scary. Unlike other horror directors, Jordan Peele has found the delectable balance of comedy and horror that you don’t have these days. Horror movies are way too serious.
The impact that GET OUT immediately had was completely justified. It’s quite possibly one of the top five best directorial debuts of all time. A horror movie winning the Oscar for Best Screenplay is an incredible feat. And this one deserved it.
GET OUT is a classic. It’s one of the best movies of the 2010s, and if you haven’t seen it by all intents and purposes, find some time to do so.
It’s available on Peacock.
