Get Out (2017): Ashlyn Murphy

 GET OUT

Get Out is a shocking psychological thriller focused on the exploitation of black people by people who claim to be progressive. When Chris, a black male, is invited to his white girlfriend's family home, he's apprehensive. However, something he never expected lurks behind the family's kind appearance. 

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Rose's father auctioning off Chris's body to the white party-goers.

Jordan Peele, Get Out, 2017.

Rose's mother hypnotizing Chris using her teacup. This initial hypnosis helps the family control Chris's actions later on.

Jordan Peele, Get Out, 2017.

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The Significance of Get Out

Get Out exposes the reality that in our present day, the exploitation of black people is perpetuated, in some instances, by white people who benefit from inequality, but claim to fight against it. The movie depicts those who claim society has changed for the better, and support the change, but in reality are the ones keeping the status quo alive due to their personal benefits. They are very outspoken about their progressive beliefs in the way they state their support for Obama and look down on past racial injustices, but are revealed to be the ones keeping inequality alive by auctioning black bodies to other white people in power for their benefit. Throughout the film, scenes of explicit racism, such as Chris being asked to show his ID despite not driving, are shown, throwing off the audience from the family's real intentions and leaving them surprised at the end of the film. I believe this redirection of attention reminds the audience that less noticeable but deceptively harmful forms of racism, specifically systemic, can gain less attention than explicit forms of racism, leading people away from the root causes of racism and looking from the surface level instead.

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Discussion Questions

• In the trailer presented, most of the movie's major plot points are shown. Whether you have watched the film or not, do you think this was an effective trailer? Did you get a certain impression about the movie from the trailer's leniency of revealing the plot?  

  

• Rose's mother uses hypnosis as the dominant way to control Chris's actions. What do you believe is the significance of adding this sort of supernatural/mind altering element to the film?