Eerie, engaging, and wonderfully made are the words that describe Jordan Peele’s second major venture in the horror film arena following his highly successful debut with Get Out. The 2019 film, Us, manages to incorporate classic horror tropes such as doppelgängers and trying to escape evil antagonists that may appear at any moment, while still bringing a unique twist on those ideas, making the film exceptional and memorable.

The plot of the movie revolves around the Wilson family who are on a beach vacation before discovering that they have deathly doppelgängers after them, and they must do whatever they can to stay alive. A story of survival that keeps the audience on their toes is made even more excellent by having every aspect of the film create an impact.

One ingredient of the film that had immense significance was the soundtrack. This is discovered early on in the film. While the credits go on near the beginning of the film, the Anthem song plays. It is a chorus of children singing that catches the audience off guard and keeps them on edge with its ominous tone.  Anthem simultaneously manages to foreshadow a theme of the movie in which no one knows exactly what to expect and if they are ever safe. Songs also bring the audience through different aspects of the film. This is seen through the track I Got 5 On It being used in the film in a light-hearted moment for the main family in the beginning, but later in a remix specially created for the film which adds in a classic horror twist to the audio. The soundtrack also leads the audience into feeling as though the plot is real and they are in the story as the sounds surrounding them use different sound effects and they all, no matter how faint they seem, have a profound consequence on how the viewers feel watching the screen in front of them.

The excellent cinematography aids in the magnificent precision of the film. Each subtle shot has a meaning that can be felt by the audience. Every angle and every moment is meant to engage the viewers and even lead them through unexpected elements of the plot while painting a work of art for the audience in which they transform into someone inside of the movie, forgetting reality. The amazing ability to make every moment matter adds to the unforgettable experience of watching the film.

Another aspect of the film that is essential to its masterpiece is the acting. Every aspect of emotion portrayed by those in the film adds to its success. Madison Curry’s acting as the younger version of the mother in the Wilson family, Adelaide, in flashbacks is exceptional with the portrayals of the innocence of a child along with the fear that brings the audience into the storyline. Shahadi Wright Joseph and Evan Alex play the children of the Wilson family along with their threatening counterparts. Their exemplary portrayal as regular kids put in a terrifying situation on one hand, and as evil doppelgängers on the other, shows an exceptional ability to express emotions and actions in such a way where the audience can identify the protagonists and antagonists of the film as distinctly separate. Winston Duke’s acting as the father of the family skillfully shifts from the evil counterpart to the Wilson family’s father who adds a distinct ability to manage to incorporate moments of humor into the ominous film, without it feeling forced or out of place. Lastly, Lupita Nyong’o brings her exceptional acting ability to play as Adelaide and her doppelgänger, Red. Every emotion on her face can be felt by the audience whether it is fear and shock, or an evil grin that sends shivers up the viewer’s spine. Her excellent depiction of the two characters makes it impossible for the audience to tear their eyes off the screen.

The precise way each aspect of the movie was created makes it an unforgettable masterpiece. Each scene is made to maneuver the viewer in a way that is intentioned to bring the audience into the lives of the Wilson family through each twist and turn of the plot and never fails to surprise the reader. The attention to detail allows the viewers to find new layers and subtle cues in the film they never noticed before each time it is viewed, which makes it a captivating film no matter how many times it has been watched. This exceptional feature keeps the audience thinking long after it is over about the insights it brings to their lives, something Peele uniquely brings to play. The audience is left pondering about the different privileges they are fortunate enough to have and how they may aid others, while on a separate note wondering if sometimes their worst enemy is themselves. Being a movie that can keep the audience in thought while it is playing and long after it is over, means that this film is an experience that will be memorable throughout all the years to come.