Watch: The Genius Of Of Jordan Peele's Social Horror 'Get Out'

The critical success of Jordan Peele’s “Get Out“ has translated even beyond the box office and this week the film was nominated for multiple Independent Spirit Awards. This summer’s horror/thriller hit moved audiences to face the conventional terrors of horror films, but also confronted them with the psychological horror of racism juxtaposed to sharp, pungent satire. Beyond the film’s poignantly written story, various elements work in tandem to create one of the year’s best films.

In a video essay by Karsten Runquist the focus shifts to a direct, insightful moment for the audience. There have been numerous derivations on what the film means and how that meaning is conveyed. The minutiae of the film reveals some of the finer, dynamic moments where unease is palpable. The image constantly being circulated when “Get Out” is mentioned is Daniel Kaluuya starring directly at the camera, tears streaming down his face. Almost as if he is starring through us, the video essay sites this image as a cry for help.

Often when the fourth wall is broken, its purposefully done to add connection or create an overture for a character. When the technique is utilized in horror films, anxiety only rises as audiences watch a situation where they feel claustrophobically trapped. This shot in “Get Out” is employed multiple times, with pristine and meaningful execution on screen. Peele doesn’t use the image flippantly. Provoking audiences to feel uncomfortable, the racially hone film adds a troubling psychological level to its horror by establishing a connection with the audience in dire moments; an invitation for audience participation and intervention.

What makes “Get Out” an exceptional film is its ability to comfort social toxicity by way of a guise. Peele’s film is much more than a horror film. Its horror rests in the very real systems of oppression brought by changes in modernity. “Get Out” stares down audiences and dares us all to just try and look away.