Sometimes it's hilarious, others it's bone chilling, but overall it's a great blend of both

Rating: 7/10 (1 April 2019)

After months of waiting since the first trailer for Jordan Peele's second feature film was released, I was finally able to see "Us" in cinemas on the films opening night in my city. While it was not necessarily the film I was expecting to see, after 3 days of non-stop reflection I can confirm that this was a film that I really, really enjoyed, and would even go as far as to say that I loved.
Let my just reiterate that the trailers that were released for this film are not as spoiler filled as those for Jordan Peele's first film, Get Out, were. The film is filled with so many layers, not only with the main plot itself but also within the films subtext, which I must say while it is still there it would not exactly be as easy for general film audiences to determine in comparison to Peele's first film. In saying that it is still a deeply enjoyable film for all types of film goers, as long as they are able to accept that Us is not your typical horror film, and is probably not going to be the film they suspected it would be from the trailer.
Technically Us is outstanding. In terms of cinematography, the film excels, particular in its opening scene. Every time that something appears in the frame of this film you can tell it has been purposely put there for a reason, whether its excellent foreshadowing, or even just a fun reference from Peele, it carries significance and will undoubtedly make this film excellent for repeat viewings. The score for this film is marvelous. While many would be concerned whether the trailers extremely popular rendition of, "I Got 5 On It" by Luniz would make it into the film, don't worry, you won't be disappointed. I must give a special shout out to the track, Pas De Deux. It is so chilling and eerie, and I haven't been able to stop listening to it. It also plays in one of the films best scenes, which I of course won't spoil.
The acting in this film is great. All of the actors do such an awesome job acting in two very different roles, which I'm sure would have been very difficult. It is because of this acting (and of course Peele's writing) that helps make all of the characters, especially the Wilson family, so likable. Special shout out to Lupita Nyong'o and both pf her chilling performances as Adelaide and Red, as well as Winston Duke, who plays the goofy and lovable father of the Wilson family, Gabe, so well.
In terms of criticisms, it is difficult to talk about without spoiling the film. There were multiple points in the film where I felt that the comedy seemed to undermine the suspense and horror. While the comedy in itself was not weak at all, the comedy throughout the film was all fantastic and most of the jokes landed, its just that if the film was a bit more horror focused in some of these scenes it would have made the horror more effective. There were also a few plot holes with the film and its ending which could have been explained a bit better, which I of course won't go in to detail.
Apart from these few small gripes however, Us is a great film. Its sometimes hilarious, and sometimes bone chilling, and for the most part provides a good balance of the two. I had an excellent time watching Us, and can't wait for a second viewing!
Us (2019) - 8/10