Us
2019, Mystery and thriller/Horror, 1h 56m
544 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
With Jordan Peele's second inventive, ambitious horror film, we have seen how to beat the sophomore jinx, and it is Us. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Adelaide Wilson, Red
Gabe Wilson, Abraham
Kitty Tyler
Josh Tyler
Russel Thomas, Weyland
Rayne Thomas, Eartha
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Critic Reviews for Us
All Critics (544) | Top Critics (104) | Fresh (505) | Rotten (39)
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It's one thing for a movie to humble you by leaving you unsure about yourself and your place in the world; it's another for it to leave you wondering what, exactly, a filmmaker is trying to use his formidable verbal and visual vocabulary to say.
December 10, 2019 | Full Review… -
Peele develops a genuinely thrilling, heart-in-the-throat-scary horror picture.
December 10, 2019 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
Every element in this film serves a purpose and is set up like a chess move, from the soundtrack to the detailed production values. (Be sure to check out the old VHS tapes in a flashback sequence).
December 10, 2019 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… -
I love the performances, but I'm just not super sold on the script, to be honest... I'm really ready for [Jordan Peele] to be his own voice now.
September 24, 2019 | Full Review… -
A sharp, often funny meditation on the terrifying power of human connection.
September 10, 2019 | Full Review… -
...[A]ll the elements of the production work together to create an atmospheric menace that occupies a breathless two-thirds of the high-intensity 116-minute running time.
May 10, 2019 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Us
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Oct 16, 2020Jordan Peele creatively subverts the home-invasion genre in "Us." The first half is outstanding. Lupita Nyong'o is excellent as always -- she's a moody complex character which makes complete sense after the "big reveal." Once that "big reveal" happens, suspending disbelief is difficult, even for a horror movie. It is almost as if they came up with the main premise, than spit-balled an explanation. The explanation / back story is so absurd it requires way too much exposition. Here's hoping Peele gets more grounded in his third act.Mark B Super Reviewer
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Jun 20, 2020fun but definitely no "Get Out"Ed K Super Reviewer
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Jan 08, 2020When Get Out hit the screens in 2017, it was one of the few films that genuinely earned the positive word of mouth and appreciation that many critics and viewers afforded it. It marked the arrival of Jordan Peele as a new voice for horror despite him being better known as a comedian and it also done no harm to Peele's reputation when he earned himself an Academy Award for Best Screenplay. With that, there was much anticipation for his follow-up feature and it's with delight that Peele matches his previous work and shows that contemporary horror is in very capable hands. Plot: While vacationing in Santa Cruz, California, Adelaide Wilson (Lupita Nyong'o), her husband Gabe (Winston Duke) and their two children plan on spending time with their friends and getting away from their busy schedule. However, Santa Cruz beach brings back unsettling childhood memories for Adelaide and causes her to feel very protective of her family while there. During the night, her fears are realised when four mysterious intruders break into their home. As if this isn't enough, the strangers also happen to look exactly like each of the family members save for the odd grotesque differences and very off kilter behaviour. Now that The Twilght Zone has been revived for a 2019, contemporary audience, it's fitting that writer/director Jordan Peele has been the one to assume the iconic role of Rod Serling - who originally created the sci-fi horror show in the 1950's - and introduce the new episodes. Peele seems very attuned to similar dark and twisted tales and with only two films under his belt, he is already one of the most interesting horror directors on the market. Us, however, is much more than just a horror. As Peele had already proven with Get Out, he's able to construct many layers and interpretations to his writing that make them important socio-political commentaries on modern America. Get Out challenged the dark, racist angle of white privilege while Us delves deeper into exploring the increasing inequality between the upperclass and the underclass. One of the biggest indications and motifs used is the obvious references to "Hands across America". For those that are unfamiliar, this was a campaign in the mid 1980's that encouraged the public to literally hold hands for fifteen minutes and form a human chain across the United States continent to raise money for charities to fight hunger and homelessness and help those in poverty. I digress here slightly, but it does play an important role in the themes of the film and the polarising characters at the films centre. Peele is driving home a sociopolitical message and it's quite cleverly and creatively thought through. You could also argue that the title of the film itself is less than subtle by suggesting that it isn't solely about "Us" as a pronoun but "US" as in United States. This is just a small example of the layers abound within Peele's writing but if you put these layers aside, the film still operates on a basic level that can be enjoyed by all. It's entirely up to the viewer whether they want to explore the films deeper meanings or just enjoy the experience as a gripping horror masterwork. Aided immeasurably by It Follows cinematographer Mike Gioulakis, Peele is able to create a hugely effective and foreboding atmosphere. There's a palpably unsettling vibe that courses throughout the film which is displayed from the offset in its hall of mirrors opening sequence. After this impressive opening, he allows us to catch our breath before revealing his intentions layer by layer and the film only grows more intense as it progress. That said, Peele's background in comedy is also shrewdly utilised. For such an unsettling horror there is a welcome amount of humour to alleviate the effortless chills. This is mostly delivered by Winston Duke's affably loveable husband who takes some time to grasp the seriousness of the situation but it's also displayed in American rapper KRS-One's "Sound of da police" blasting from a stereo during a pivotal death scene. I'll say no more on that but the humour is mainly from the performances that the entire cast bring to the project. They all get the chance to play dual roles and it's fun to see them switch from one to another but, ultimately, it's a horror film and the marvellous Lupita Nyong'o steals the show as the loving mother and her vengeful doppelgänger. Her transformation truly is a work of brilliance and it's astonishing to think it's the same actress that you see onscreen before you. Us was probably released too early in 2019 to be remembered come awards season but the work of Nyong'o deserves all (if any) recognition that comes her way. Verdict: Jordan Peele makes good on his early promise and delivers a film that's awash with pop-cultural references and a biting satirical humour. However, he doesn't forget that the film's sole purpose is to chill and unsettle. It certainly achieves that and the numerous interpretations and layers to the film will reward multiple viewings which is proof alone how clever it is. It heralds a new voice for horror but it's also encouraging to see a director be so subversive and unafraid on their commentary of modern America and to do so through a mainstream medium. Mark WalkerMark W Super Reviewer
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Nov 15, 2019Jordan Peele follows up his breakout hit, Get Out, with the psychological horror-thriller Us. While on vacation a family is attacked by what appear to be their doppelgangers. The script is a little weak and opens up a lot more questions than it can answer. However, the performances are pretty decent (some are downright terrifying). And though the "privilege" allegory is a little muddled, Peele does a good job at building suspense and tension. Additionally, the violence is pretty intense without being gratuitous or exploitative. While there are parts of Us that don't work, overall it's a chilling horror film.Dann M Super Reviewer
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