A family on vacation encounters murderous doppelgangers. The plot synopsis essentially ends there, unfortunately, as the narrative arc struggles to maintain its initial intrigue. The central twist in Us is readily apparent, yet the filmmakers protract its unveiling until the final act. Director, screenwriter, and actor Jordan Peele attempts to replicate the success of Get Out, with somewhat uneven results, in my assessment.
While Get Out was a competently executed horror film, featuring several compelling scenes culminating in a reasonably logical conclusion, Us falters in comparison. The consistently talented Lupita Nyong’o delivers a commendable performance, navigating the often-questionable script with skill. Winston Duke, portraying her husband, presents a contrasting challenge. While a departure from his role in Black Panther may have been intended, the execution feels exaggerated. The portrayal veers towards caricature, as if compensating for a perceived weakness in the character. The initial encounter between the family and their sinister counterparts holds promise, presenting a chilling and unsettling sequence as they stand motionless in the driveway. However, this tension dissipates rapidly as the protagonists seemingly normalize the presence of their doppelgangers, with Winston Duke’s character even offering them money and his boat. When the evil version of Lupita Nyong’o’s character speaks, the horror element diminishes significantly, replaced by an unintended comedic effect.
Without divulging specific plot points for those intending to watch the film, I must express my disappointment with the resolution. The underlying explanation for the events is remarkably illogical, inducing frustration. In Get Out, social commentary was integrated with subtlety, whereas in Us, it is delivered with such force that it becomes heavy-handed.
The ULTRA HD 4K edition of Us, however, is technically impressive and elevates the film’s overall value. Black levels and edge sharpness are rendered perfectly, and dark sequences appear exceptionally detailed. The Dolby Atmos sound design is also noteworthy, providing a balanced and immersive audio experience. Bonus content includes a deleted scene and documentaries containing genuinely informative content regarding the film’s production, exceeding typical promotional material.
In conclusion, Us is a significant letdown. The strengths that Jordan Peele demonstrated in Get Out appear to have dissipated, resulting in a film that feels conceptually promising but suffers from a diluted execution during its transition to a feature-length format. As a film, it is largely disappointing; however, the UHD edition is commendable, resulting in a barely passing grade overall.
