A Halloween Comeback or a Steady Burn?
As All Hallow’s Eve approaches, your queue might be in desperate need of a little nightmare fuel. Well, it seems you’re not alone. Jordan Peele’s game-changing 2017 horror film, ‘Get Out,’ has clawed its way into Netflix’s global Top 10 list. Coming in at the sixth spot in the U.S. and the tenth globally, ‘Get Out’ is back in the limelight. Yet the real story might be more than just a seasonal spike in views.
The Film that Started it All
Before he started knocking out horror flicks like baseballs in a batting cage, Jordan Peele was better known for his comedy chops, particularly his sketches in ‘Key & Peele’. However, ‘Get Out’ was the catalyst that pivoted his career towards becoming a significant voice in the realm of horror.
“Peele’s 2017 horror movie… firmly established Peele as a major voice in the horror genre,” while racking up a remarkable “$255 million at the box office,” to say nothing of its Academy Award wins and nominations. The movie not only added fuel to Peele’s rising star but also took home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, among other nominations.
The Genre-Bending Magic of ‘Get Out’
What made ‘Get Out’ resonate with audiences wasn’t just its scare factor but its audacious blending of genres and themes. For those who haven’t seen it, the movie stars Daniel Kaluuya as Chris, a photographer who quickly finds himself caught in a nightmarish ordeal while visiting his girlfriend’s parents.
“One of the big reasons why the movie resonated so forcefully with audiences and critics is its clear critique and exploration of race relations in America,” with a storyline that includes “wealthy white parents literally brainwashing and enslaving Black people.” Yet, Peele adroitly combines this potent social commentary with “a twisting and unpredictable plot,” peppered with “some major surprise reveals.”
The Peele Effect
Get Out was not just a one-hit wonder for Jordan Peele. The success of the movie led him to direct other horror gems like ‘Us’ and the more recent ‘Nope.’ “Peele’s two follow-up films are further affirmations of his talent as a filmmaker,” but it’s hard to overlook how ‘Get Out’ stands as “arguably still his most crucial and impactful movie.”
Why the Sudden Netflix Surge?
So, what gives? Is it just the allure of the spooky season, or has ‘Get Out’ joined the ranks of year-round must-see cinema? The film not only managed to make it to Netflix’s Top 10 list but also beat out some stiff competition. Peele’s ‘Get Out’ ranks higher in the U.S., even overtaking ‘Us,’ which followed close behind. Globally, ‘Get Out’ had to contend with a variety of other movies, falling behind titles like ‘The Lost City,’ ‘Casper,’ and ‘Mean Girls,’ among others.
The film’s resurgence may hint at its staying power and timeless relevance, making it more than just a Halloween fling. After all, when a film combines groundbreaking narrative, social commentary, and a few good scares, it tends to stick around, haunting our screens and our minds, long after the credits roll.
