Finally got around to seeing Jordan Peele’s US. His previous outing, GET OUT, was a fun, albeit disturbing, piece of work. Loved it (need to watch it again soon). This family of four begins their vacation at the beach town of Santa Cruz, California (yes, an obvious nod to THE LOST BOYS). That first night a family of doppelgangers appear in their driveway and then the “ride” begins. When this story begins to roll out it’s underlying horror it’s more than meets the eye here.
When you have to follow a hit release the pressure is always on for your next film. US is a good film. Good ideas, and effective delivery of story and acting. Lupita Nyong’o gave an especially strong performance. With new ideas also come the possibility that it doesn’t work. This one does and it doesn’t. As with any horror / fantasy film, you have to embrace the world you’re given to enjoy it. Unfortunately I couldn’t embrace it completely and it lost me in a few areas. With that said it is well worth the ride and I do recommend an October watch for the horror fans out there. Whatever it is that Peele is bringing, he brings it heart and soul. You can feel the drive behind his films and I continue to look forward to his future output.
I’m going to have to subscribe to CBS Access sooner or later. Peele brought back THE TWILIGHT ZONE and Joshua Boone’s version of King’s THE STAND is due in 2020.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, gang.
- Dave Hinchberger, proprietor, Stephen King Catalog and The Overlook Connection.