Get Out Movie Review: An In-Depth Look at Themes, Symbolism, and Character Analysis

Decoding "Get Out": Unpacking Jordan Peele's Horror Masterpiece

Jordan Peele's "Get Out" isn't just horror. It's a cultural phenomenon. Released in 2017, it sparked conversations and earned acclaim. However, beyond jump scares, it holds meaning, symbolism, and critiques of American society. Let's explore the world of the Armitage family and see why this movie resonates and terrifies.

Meaning and Interpretation: What's Really Going On?

On the surface, "Get Out" follows Chris Washington, a young Black man meeting his white girlfriend Rose's family for a weekend. Sounds simple? Wrong. What unfolds reveals a chilling exploration of race, identity, and modern racism's insidious nature. It’s more than monsters; it’s about societal monsters.

Deeper Meaning: Unmasking the Subtext

Beneath the thrills, "Get Out" operates on many levels. It comments on commodification of Black bodies, white liberalism, and slavery trauma. The film uses horror tropes to expose real horrors of racism, which endure in a "post-racial" society. Think of it as a Trojan horse – it entices you with genre thrills, then delivers social commentary.

Moral of the Story: Beyond Tokenism

The moral of "Get Out" warns against tokenism. It highlights how Black people can be objectified even by self-proclaimed allies. The Armitage family views Chris not as a person but as a vessel of desirable attributes. They envy Black "physical skills,” echoing stereotypes against Black intellect.

Themes: A Multi-Layered Critique

"Get Out" is no one-note film; it is a symphony reflecting socio-political themes.

Critique of Post-Racial America: The Myth of Progress

A prominent theme critiques "post-racial" America. This idea emerged post-Barack Obama’s election. "Get Out" refutes this notion. It claims racism has become subtle and ingrained in society. The Armitage family represents this – seemingly liberal yet harboring deep racism and engaging in exploitation.

"Colorblindness": A Veil for Racism

The film critiques "colorblindness," an ideology that suggests ignoring race. While it seems benign, "Get Out" argues this erases Black experiences. The Armitages claim not to see race, ignoring dynamics and their motivations. It dismisses Blackness while exploiting it.

Neoliberalism: Commodification of Everything

The movie critiques neoliberalism, an ideology emphasizing free markets and privatization. In "Get Out," this manifests as the commodification of bodies. The Armitages embody capitalism's extremes, seeking to control Black bodies for selfish desires. It's a chilling reduction of human beings to commodities.

Racism (Subtle, Covert, Casual): The Everyday Horror

Peele illustrates modern racism's insidious nature, showing its subtle manifestations. Microaggressions, compliments about Chris's physique, and fetishization depict everyday racism. "Get Out" confronts viewers with these uncomfortable realities, revealing that racism isn’t always overt; it lurks behind polite smiles.

Horrors of Slavery: Echoes of the Past

"Get Out" connects contemporary settings with slavery horrors. The "Coagula" procedure represents dehumanization inherent in slavery. The Sunken Place symbolizes a trapped consciousness under control. The film suggests slavery's legacy resonates with modern racism and exploitation. The past isn't merely history; it wears a new mask.

Critical Reception and Evaluation: Why the Hype?

"Get Out" achieved box office success and critical praise. It earned acclaim for originality and social commentary. What made it so universally lauded?

Why So Highly Rated? Beyond Jump Scares

The high ratings reflect depth and complexity. It's not merely scary; it's intelligent. Critics recognized its nuanced exploration and ability to provoke thought after viewing. It tackles uncomfortable truths accessibly, hitting cultural nerves at key moments.

Is it Scary? Psychological Thrills

Is "Get Out" scary? Yes, but not like slasher films. Its horror is psychological and unsettling. It taps into real-world anxieties of being Black in a white world. Fear arises not just from supernatural elements but from realistic portrayals of racism and feelings of entrapment.

Is it Worth Watching? Absolutely Essential Viewing

Is "Get Out" worth watching? Yes, absolutely. It’s essential viewing. This film entertains, provokes, and educates. It’s a masterclass in genre with a powerful message. If you value intelligent cinema or advocate for social justice, you must see "Get Out." It lingers long after viewing.

Plot Twists and Ending: Unraveling the Mystery

"Get Out" offers twists and turns, keeping viewers engaged until the end. The final act reveals the true horror beneath the Armitage family's facade.

The Big Twist: The Coagula Exposed

The big twist reveals the Armitage family's plan: The Coagula. Chris wakes tied to a chair, forced to watch a video explaining their scheme. They abduct African Americans, hypnotize them, and perform brain transplants to implant wealthy individuals' consciousness into their bodies. This grotesque maneuver exemplifies cultural appropriation.

Alternate Ending: A Starker Reality

individuals, even when they are victims.

Why the Change? Hope and Heroism

Peele changed the ending for a hopeful conclusion. Chris escapes and is rescued by Rod. Peele aimed for relief after the film’s intense events. He wanted to empower Chris, turning him into a hero against oppressors. The film's release came during a tense political climate. Peele sensed a need for optimism amid rising racial tensions. He wanted to give audiences relief and triumph amidst anxieties.

Two Endings, Two Messages: Context Matters

Peele explained the shift. He said, “By the time I was shooting it, it was clear the world had shifted, racism was being dealt with, people were woke, and people needed a release and hero.” This shows context and current events influence art. The alternate ending reflects systemic injustice. The theatrical ending confronts racism too, offering a more empowering experience. Each ending resonates with audiences in different ways.

Character Analysis: Decoding the Players

The characters in "Get Out" are complex, embodying various aspects of the film's themes. Let's look closer at the key players in this drama.

Rose Armitage: The Twist Villain

Rose Armitage is Chris's seemingly loving girlfriend. She draws him into the Armitage family's web. Beneath her warmth lies a sinister truth. Rose is the hidden main antagonist, a cold orchestrator of the family's scheme.

Is Rose a Villain? Deception and Betrayal

Is Rose bad? Yes. Rose is a twist villain. She fools Chris and the audience, appearing supportive. Her true nature is revealed, showing her to be evil and manipulative. She treats trapping innocent people as a game. This betrayal is personal but speaks to broader issues of false allyship and deep-seated racism.

Walter Shoots Rose: A Moment of Agency

In a pivotal scene, Walter, the groundskeeper, shoots Rose, seemingly saving Chris. Why did Walter shoot Rose? This act shows Walter’s agency. He breaks free from Roman's control, even if only briefly. It serves as revenge against Rose and a selfless act to save Chris. This moment is tragic, as Walter knows control from Roman will soon return.

Walter: Trapped and Tormented

Walter is the Armitage's groundskeeper. He looks imposing but feels subdued. He is possessed by Roman Armitage, Rose’s grandfather. Walter exemplifies the fate of Coagula victims, always trapped in a stolen identity.

Walter's Suicide: Final Act of Defiance

Why did Walter shoot himself? After shooting Rose, Walter knows the futility of his situation. He realizes Roman's control will return. In an act of defiance, Walter shoots himself. This is self-destruction but also acts of resistance. He aims to stop Roman and his family's evil plans. It is tragic yet powerful.

Roman's Possession: Legacy of Racism

Who took control of Walter? Roman Armitage, Rose's grandfather, did. Roman, filled with envy and resentment, represents the Armitage family's darkest roots. His possession signifies how racist ideologies can be passed down through generations.

Chris: The Hero's Journey

Chris Washington is the protagonist in "Get Out." He is a talented photographer caught in a nightmare. Chris is intelligent and resourceful, making him a sympathetic hero.

Chris's Survival: Resourcefulness and Resistance

How did Chris survive? His survival shows intelligence and resilience. He identifies the danger and actively fights back. He escapes the Sunken Place by blocking out Missy’s trigger with cotton. He uses his camera flash to disrupt hypnosis and wake others. His survival is earned through cunning and determination.

Why Chris Didn't Kill Rose: Moral Compass

In one moment, Chris strangles Rose but stops short of killing her. Why did Chris stop? Despite the betrayal, he hesitates to become a murderer. This highlights his moral compass and humanity. He retains a sense of right and wrong even in trauma. It shows his strength amidst darkness.

Logan/Andre: The Warning Sign

Logan King, later revealed as Andre Hayworth, is Chris’s first encounter with victims. His unsettling behavior provides a crucial warning for Chris.

Logan's Nosebleed: Breaking the Hypnosis

Why did Logan bleed? His nosebleed occurs from Chris's camera flash. It momentarily disrupts Missy's control, allowing Andre’s consciousness to surface. The nosebleed signifies trauma from breaking free. His frantic warning, "Get out," is misinterpreted, but later understood as a plea for escape from danger.

Jeremy: The Thuggish Enforcer

Jeremy Armitage, Rose's brother, is aggressive and imposing. He acts as the family's enforcer, restraining victims.

Jeremy's Role: Antagonist and Enforcer

Is Jeremy bad? Yes, Jeremy is a villain. He participates in the horrifying plan willingly. As the family muscle, he embodies the aggressive racism in contrast to Rose's subtle manipulation.

Symbolism and Hidden Messages: Decoding the Details

"Get Out" has rich symbolism and hidden messages. Each detail, from colors to objects, enhances the film’s themes.

Deer Symbolism: Loss and Helplessness

The deer appears multiple times in "Get Out." What does the deer symbolize? The deer signifies vulnerability and disruption. The death of a deer foreshadows Chris’s danger and loss of innocence. It connects to Chris's trauma—his mother’s death is linked to a deer. The deer motif represents Chris’s helplessness and predatory situations.

Red Color Symbolism: Secret Societies and Bloodshed

Red is prominent in "Get Out," appearing in clothing and decor. Why is red common?

Red stands for secret societies, danger, and blood. The Armitages wear red. This shows they belong to the Order of the Coagula. This group is built on racist exploitation. Red hints at the violence to come at the Armitage estate. It suggests something dark lies beneath polite society.

Teacup Symbolism: Slavery and Control

The teacup and spoon used by Missy carry deep meaning. The teacup has links to slavery and control. Peele explained its connection to a past where slave masters used a teacup to summon slaves. In "Get Out," the teacup enslaves Chris's mind. It's a chilling reminder of dehumanization.

Helmet Meaning: Dark Souls and Dehumanization

A knight's helmet shows up twice: first, during the abduction of a Black man, and later in the kidnapper's car. What does it signify? The helmet relates to "dark souls" and loss of humanity. It obscures the kidnapper’s face, making them anonymous, a menacing figure. This relates to moral corruption.

Eyes Representation: Vision and Perspective

Eyes appear throughout "Get Out," connecting them to Chris's work as a photographer and hypnosis scenes. Eyes symbolize perspective and seeing. Peele wants viewers to see the world through a Black person's eyes. The film urges audiences to confront racial dynamics, power, and empathy.

Hidden Messages and Easter Eggs: Layers of Meaning

"Get Out" contains myriad hidden messages and Easter eggs. These enhance its depth. Secrets include Jeremy's UFC dreams, Rose's past, and a strange Swahili song. Such details foreshadow the Armitage family's true motives, adding unease. They invite viewers to look closer and analyze.

Specific Scenes and Actions: Moments of Significance

Certain scenes in "Get Out" reveal motivations, advance the plot, and enrich themes.

Why Chris Looked at the Deer: Trauma and Foreshadowing

Chris gazes at the deer after it was hit. This act carries trauma and foreshadowing. It connects to his mother's death, also mirrored by a deer. This moment hints at Chris's own vulnerability at the estate. The deer serves as a link between his past and present fears.

Missy's Hypnosis: The Teacup and the Sunken Place

Missy hypnotizes Chris with her teacup and spoon. This sends him to the Sunken Place, where he is conscious but powerless. His body lies exposed to control. Missy's actions are vital for trapping victims, enabling the Armitage family’s dark plans for their Coagula procedure.

Silence Upstairs: Othering and Isolation

Why did silence fall when Chris went upstairs? The sudden quiet underscores his isolation at the Armitage party. As the only Black person there, he faces awkward conversations and microaggressions. The silence reveals the facade of the Armitages' "welcoming" behavior and the underlying racial tension in the air.

Georgina Spills the Tea: Subconscious Resistance

Why did Georgina spill tea? This clumsy act shows subconscious resistance to Missy's control. While Missy tries to hypnotize Chris, Georgina may be briefly affected. This moment hints at the potential for rebellion, even when dominated by the Sunken Place.

Georgina's Tears: Masking Pain

Why does Georgina cry while reassuring Chris? Her tears, against her forced smile, showcase her inner conflict. Trapped in the Sunken Place, she acts as directed but feels pain beneath the surface. The scene highlights the toll of the Coagula's control and her loss of identity.

Chris Takes Logan's Picture: Suspicion and Revelation

Why does Chris snap a photo of Logan? Chris sends it to Rod, sensing something is off. The flash breaks Logan's hypnotic state, leading him to warn Chris. This moment heightens tension and exposes the true nature of the Armitage family's plans. The photo becomes crucial evidence.

Best Scene: Staircase Confrontation

What is considered the best scene? Many cite the staircase confrontation between Chris and Rose. Rose fakes struggling to find her keys while Chris urges her to hurry. This creates tense suspense. Here, Rose's betrayal unveils the true danger Chris faces. It's both terrifying and heartbreaking.

The "Sunken Place": Metaphor for Powerlessness

The Sunken Place stands out as a powerful element in "Get Out." It symbolizes mental entrapment and loss of agency.

What is the Sunken Place? Hypnotic Prison

The Sunken Place is a hypnotic state caused by Missy Armitage. Visually, it's a dark void where victims know what's happening but cannot act. It's a metaphor for slavery, showing Black people's imprisonment. It also represents any state of powerlessness when others control one's body.

Escaping the Sunken Place: Sensory Deprivation and Resistance

How does Chris escape? He uses cotton from his chair to block sound. This prevents him from hearing Missy's teacup. By cutting off that sensory trigger, he breaks free from hypnosis. His clever act is one of resistance against overwhelming oppression.

Chris Hypnotized: Dramatic Irony and Tension

Is Chris hypnotized in "Get Out"? Yes, Chris falls under Missy's control in the Sunken Place. The audience knows about his hypnosis before he does. This creates suspense as we see him navigate danger. When Chris eventually realizes he has been hypnotized, it raises the stakes and drives the story.

Real-Life Inspiration: Rooted in Reality

While "Get Out" is fictional, it draws on hard truths from real life.

It draws inspiration from real-life experiences. Its horror is grounded in a recognizable reality.

Is "Get Out" Based on True Events?

The film "Get Out" is not a true story. However, elements come from Jordan Peele's life. He mentions feeling "othered." He faced subtle racism in mostly white spaces. His experiences shaped the film's themes. It looks at microaggressions and racial anxiety. "Get Out" is not a documentary. Still, it connects deeply to racial dynamics in America.

Where to Watch "Get Out"

You can find "Get Out" on various platforms.

Streaming and Rental Options

There is no "Get Out 2." You can watch "Get Out" alongside Peele's horror film "Us" as a double feature. Find them on Vudu, Xfinity, Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, Microsoft, Verizon Fios, Directv Cinema, Amazon, and Walmart. You may also rent or buy "Get Out" on Amazon Video. You might see it on services like Hulu and HBO Max in the future.

Themes: The Core Message

"Get Out" shares a powerful message. It tackles race, identity, and the struggle for equality.

Main Point: Exposing Modern Racism

The film critiques post-racial America. It challenges the idea of "colorblindness." "Get Out" confronts neoliberal views affecting Black lives. Villains are not clear racists but middle-class white liberals. This highlights modern racism in progressive circles. Lanre Bakare notes this in The Guardian.

Message of "Get Out": Awareness and Action

The film calls for awareness and action. It reveals subtle, casual racism in America. The shadows of slavery remain long. It encourages viewers to challenge such racism. The goal is to build a fairer society. This is a call to "get out" of complacency. It pushes for active confrontation of racism in all forms.