Introduction and Movie Overview
Jordan Peele is the writer and director of the 2019 American horror movie “Us.” The film focuses on Adelaide Wilson (Lupita Nyong’o) and her family while they vacation in Santa Cruz, California. Her prior trauma resurfaces as Adelaide grows more fearful for her family’s safety. A gang of the family’s doppelgängers show up one night and try to kill and replace them (Peele). The remainder of the film is about the fight of the family to survive and learn the identity of their assailants.
The movie’s ensemble is strong, but Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke stand out for their outstanding work as Adelaide and Red, the husband of Adelaide, respectively (Peele). Lupita Nyong’o gives a brilliant performance in both roles. The soundtrack for the picture, which Michael Abels wrote, is especially noteworthy for adding to the tension and atmosphere.
The Societal Commentary Presented by the Movie
The societal commentary and underlying themes of “Us” are among its most striking elements. The movie is much more than simply your usual horror picture because it deals with questions of identity, class struggle, and the dread of the other. With plot twists and turns that keep viewers wondering until the very end, Peele has created an enjoyable and thought-provoking film (Peele). In general, “Us” is a must-see for horror enthusiasts and those curious about examining the more significant socioeconomic themes that underpin the genre.
Exploring Duality and Hidden Selves
The film “Us” examines the concept of duality and the worry that we might not always be who we think we are. The movie’s doppelgängers are a metaphor for the suppressed or concealed portions of our personalities that we might not be aware of or strive to keep hidden from others. In a time when social media and different kinds of technology have fostered a culture of self-presentation and self-promotion, this fear of duality is particularly pertinent (James 45). “Us” asks viewers to consider how their identities are created and how they portray themselves to the outside world by examining this fear.
Class Struggle and Societal Inequality
Another central element in the movie is the issue of societal inequality and class struggle. The film reveals that the clones are the product of a government attempt to clone people to manage the population. Those in positions of authority view the clones as disposable objects and are compelled to dwell underground in filthy conditions. The growing concern over income inequality and the widening gap between the rich and the poor is reflected in this theme (Carter 68). “Us” inspires viewers to think about these inequities’ broader social and political ramifications by spotlighting how society marginalizes and devalues particular groups of individuals.
The Fear of the Other and Social Division
The fear of the other is a crucial subject in the film “Us,” with the doppelgängers standing in for a group perceived as monstrous and terrible despite being merely different individuals. This dread of the other is particularly pertinent in the current political and social atmosphere, where us against them thinking has become the norm due to polarizing politics and societal polarization (Gjinali and Tunca 12). The movie encourages viewers to embrace diversity and differences and acknowledge their humanity. “Us” challenges viewers to consider their preconceptions and biases while working toward a more caring and inclusive society.
Family Breakdown and Fear of Abandonment
Another subject in “Us” is the breakup of the family and the fear of abandonment. Much of the movie’s action is driven by Adelaide’s past trauma and anxiety of being separated from her family. The strength of the family’s friendship is tested throughout the film as they must rely on one another to survive (Svitavsky 135). The disintegration of old social institutions in modern society, where shifting family dynamics and social norms pose new difficulties and uncertainties, mirrors this fear of abandonment.
The Terror of the Unknown and Modern Uncertainty
Last but not least, “Us” conveys a pervasive fear of the mysterious and the incomprehensible. The mysterious underground tunnels and the clones that emerge from them pose an unfathomable danger to humans (Gjinali and Tunca 12). This fear of the unknown reflects the unease and apprehension of modern American culture, where social and technological progress has made the world more complex and unpredictable. The movie challenges viewers to face their anxieties about the unknown and work toward a more profound comprehension of their surroundings by examining this phobia.
Performing a Deep Cultural Therapy
Along with portraying dread, “Us” also engages in deep cultural therapy by provoking spectators to consider their identities and the processes by which they are formed. The doppelgängers in the film symbolize the hidden aspects of our personalities that we may either overlook or intentionally keep out of sight. By urging audiences to consider their identities, the movie promotes a more vital self-awareness and self-reflection.
By enticing viewers to reflect on their prejudices and work for a more accepting and compassionate society, “Us” also engages in cultural therapy. The doppelgängers symbolize a group viewed as monstrous and terrible, although they are only different people (Lukancic 178). This idea of dread of the other is one of the film’s central themes. The movie aids in removing barriers and fostering more understanding and empathy by urging viewers to appreciate diversity and individuality and to acknowledge their shared humanity.
The movie challenges spectators to face their anxieties and fears privately and publicly. It also challenges audiences to address their worries and concerns about these issues and consider their broader social and political ramifications by examining themes of dualism, class strife, and social inequality (Peele). The family’s courage and resiliency in these difficulties are a source of inspiration and hope for viewers. The film also explores the fear of abandonment and the dissolution of the family unit.
Additionally, by including humor and sarcasm in its story, “Us” engages in cultural therapy. The movie uses humor to ease the tension of its horror themes and to give viewers a few laughs. The film also makes satirical comments on current political and social concerns such as media saturation, consumer culture, and political polarization (Peele). The movie invites viewers to reflect critically on the world and consider the more significant social and political ramifications of their actions and ideas by using humor and satire to address these themes. In general, comedy and satire in “Us” contribute to developing a more involving and approachable narrative that can connect with various viewers and inspire them to consider their ideas and values.
Conclusion
The horror film “Us” addresses complex societal concerns like identity, class struggle, fear of the other, and the dissolution of families in addition to the usual motifs of the genre. A haunting score, excellent cast, and masterful direction by Jordan Peele combine to make a thought-provoking and enjoyable film. The film challenges audiences to consider their identities and prejudices, embrace diversity, and work toward a more accepting and caring society by examining concerns and worries. For anyone who enjoys horror, social commentary, or cultural therapy, “Us” is a must-see.
Works Cited
Carter, A. The Bloody Chamber: Monsters: A Bedford spotlight reader. Macmillan Higher Education, 2019.
Gjinali, Vali, and Elif Asude Tunca. “A General Look at the Impact of Turkish Horror Movies: An Exploratory Study on the Opinions of Youth on Horror Movies.” SAGE Open, vol. 10, no. 4, 2020.
James, H. The Turn of the Screw: Monsters: A Bedford spotlight reader. Macmillan Higher Education, 2019.
Lukancic, Khara. “Not all Monsters are Universal.” Supernatural Out of the Box: Essays on the Metatextuality of the Series, vol. 2, no. 4, 2020, pp. 178.
Svitavsky, William L. “Dark Shadows: Monster Culture on Daytime Television.” Journal of Popular Film and Television, vol. 50, no. 3, 2022, pp. 130-140.
Us. Directed by Jordan Peele, Netflix, 2019.