Us

The only reason to watch Us was Lupita Nyong'o's performance; it definitely was not for Jordan Peele's writing or direction, although granted there were some good directorial/cinematographic choices. However, overall, Peele's execution was left wanting. A great concept that had ambitious, lofty goals to examine themes of Consumerisms, self and identity, the American Dream and class conflicts (Us vs Them, the Have-nots vs the Have-lots), but ended up feeling scattered and unfocused. And way too much logic holes and gaps that interfered with the storytelling.

All good horror and sci-fi films either have some truth that ground the story or just be totally out-there, but Us could never commit to either. The result was a film that was flat and never really kicked into gear. As a horror film it was un-horrifying (even less so than Get Out) and un-terrifying; as a thriller it lacked tension and the pacing was awkward (most of the comedic moments felt out of place and really screwed with the pacing).

Us might have been better served as a pure satire or allegory or even fable and left the supernatural and mysterious alone without trying to explain it. Trust the audience, Peele.

Ultimately, the predictable ending just did not land nor was it well-earned. But, hey, there was Nyong'o who was fierce, engaging and charismatic and owned the screen. She tore into her role like a lioness and that penultimate scene - the supposedly - big showdown worked because of her despite the ridiculous storytelling and myth-making by Peele.

The two child-actresses, Shahadi Wright Joseph and Maddison Curry, were also standouts. Both were expressive and helped to sell the terror.

Winston Duke served as the comedic distraction and the role-reversal subject for Nyong'o. However, distraction is the operative word with the comedy, as aforementioned, not the strongest aspect of this film.

Elisabeth Moss was deliciously underused and loved that callback to her The Handmaid's Tale Offred.

The score was by Michael Abels which was typical of most genre/horror films, with the strings reaching a crescendo when necessary. Although the payoffs were usually not that at the end.

Mike Gioulakis lensed the film, and like the score, nothing imaginative was wrought, but the penultimate fight scene was beautiful.

It is highly doubtful that Us will garner as much awards and accolades as Get Out did, but who knows?