Biggest Surprise of 2017

Rating: 8/10 (7 June 2018)

This film was a huge surprise last year to say the least, what an incredible film that to be honest I though I wasn't going to like in the beginning. However I do feel as if this film was marketed wrong because this film isn't a horror, its a psychological thriller with brilliant twists.
Jordan Peele out of nowhere has given us a film that is truly remarkable and sends a strong message underneath at will appeal to everyone. The directing is very good but then when you find out this is his directorial debut, it is jaw dropping how good this film is. This could be the start of a very interesting and promising directing career. The writing as well is mind numbingly weird, how did he come up with this story it is creepy as hell. I'll get onto the writing achievement a bit more later on in the review. Fantastic work!
The cast are fantastic all across the board, however there are two that standout above the rest. Firstly Daniel Kaluuya, yes at last this man has mean given a big juicy role in a film, for me one of the most underrated actors working today. I am so glad that he was given a chance and my word did he not disappoint. His character is the audiences perspective of the story unfolding in front of us in a way. As soon as the film starts you instantly have a connection to his character and you end up routing for him. The other standout for very different reasons is Allison Williams, she really is the foundation of the film because if her deception doesn't work then the whole film around her will fail. The first time I saw the film, over a year ago now, I was astounded by how I didn't see the character switch from her coming. Williams had portrayed the innocent girlfriend so brilliantly that I believed it and that she as just as innocent and good as Kaluuya. Extremely good acting from both of them.
Small shoutout should go to Lil Rel Howery as "Rod", a hilarious character that is a pure joy to watch and actually serves a purpose in the story rather just a funny side character.
The biggest positive I take from the film is the re-watchability of the film. As soon as I saw it the first time I instantly wanted to watch it again because the film would take on a whole new meaning. Character motivations in the beginning mean show much different , now knowing the ending. For instant when "Chris" and "Rose" get pulled over by the cop, "Rose" insists that "Chris" doesn't have to show his id. Showing that she is a strong woman standing up for her man against blatant racism. However on second viewing, she is only defending "Chris" because she doesn't want any record of both of them together when he eventually gets reported missing. Soooo Good!!
There are big hints at racism/stereotype in the film that is portrayed and handled so perfectly , for example when the party is going an "Chris" is going round making small talk with people. At first viewing they all just seem a bit weird but actually there are shaping him up for the auction. The final part I really like that cuts so deep is how "Chris" frees himself from the basement, by stuffing seat fluff in his ears. However Im pretty sure I heard Jordan Peele in an interview say that it was actually referencing a black man picking cotton out of the seat to free himself............when I head that my jaw dropped! So unbelievably good !!
Overall this film is 85% out of 100 or 8.5 out of 10 its a really good film that should appeal to everyone, even if you are not a horror fan you should 100% check this out you won't regret it. For me it was the biggest surprise of 2017 because I'm not horror fan myself but I ending up loving the experience. If I was going to give it any negatives I'd say that the pacing here and there is a little off and film does drag a little. All in all I cant wait for what ever Jordan Peele does next!