A fun horror, which doesn't tread any new ground

Rating: 7/10 (20 March 2018)

I was a little apprehensive going into this movie, because of the rave reviews and awards nods it has gotten since its release. I tend to find that kind of hype accompanies two different types of film, the first being a great film, whilst the second being a poor, over-hyped film which just captured the zeitgeist and got critics drooling for no apparent reason.
I'm happy to report that this film sits right in the middle. It's an entertaining lowish budget horror, with strong mystery and suspense elements, peppered with just enough comedy not to take itself too seriously. If you're considering watching this film and that appeals to you, stop right here and go and watch it; I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
One thing I will say about this film and the hype around it however, is that it's mostly unjustified. This is a good film, a fun film, a very well-made film, please have no doubt. It's just not anything new. The biting social commentary I'd read so much about mostly amounted to using racial tension to create an atmosphere. The central denouement of course expands on this, but if we're being honest here, it's a very silly message which has been delivered a million times before by much more nuanced, accomplished directors. It's basically 'Society' (1989) with added black people.
At its heart this is a very fun and silly film, with great entertainment value. It isn't new, it isn't biting and any intelligence it displays is in the craft of film-making, rather than social commentary.
As someone who likes to be entertained, rather than preached at, I consider this to be a good thing.