Jordan Peele has rapidly become a prominent director in Hollywood, specializing exclusively in Jordan Peele horror films. Despite all his movies belonging to the horror genre, his scariest film is not his preferred work, showing the range in his creations. Having crafted three acclaimed films so far, even his least favorite is highly regarded among horror enthusiasts.
Peele originally emerged as a comedian before making a dramatic breakthrough with the 2017 film Get Out. That film not only earned him an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay but also set a significant benchmark for his career. While Get Out remains a standout piece in Peele’s filmography, his follow-up delivered a more intense horror experience.
Why Us Stands Out as Jordan Peele’s Most Terrifying Film
Compared to Get Out, which leans more towards thriller elements, Us is considered Peele’s purest horror movie. Audiences were unsettled by different moments in Get Out, especially the climax where police involvement raised fears for the protagonist’s safety. However, the scares in Us begin immediately and persist throughout the film.
The movie opens with a chilling flashback set inside a funhouse, featuring an eerie doppelgänger encounter. Another unsettling scene includes young Jason approaching an ominous figure on a beach, arms outstretched and covered in blood. These early moments establish an atmosphere of dread that carries on as the story unfolds.
The invasion of the Wilson family’s home by their Tethered doubles amplifies the horror with disturbing movements and a genuinely frightening home invasion scenario. Lupita Nyong’o’s portrayal of Red elevates the fear factor tremendously through her mannerisms, cracked vocal tone, and her character’s constant strategic advantage.
Us is filled with disturbing imagery and a heavy atmosphere that intensifies the unsettling experience. The film ends on a darker note with a twist that may not resonate with everyone, distinguishing it from Peele’s other works where conclusions tend to be less bleak.
Comparing Us with Get Out and Nope
Though Us is Peele’s most frightening movie, it ranks lower in quality compared to Get Out and Nope according to many viewers and critics. Get Out is widely hailed as one of the best horror films ever made, lauded for its success at the box office, critical acclaim, and its cultural commentary. The film effectively tackled themes such as racism, colorblindness, and the white savior trope, helping it stand out as Peele’s defining work.
Following Us, Peele released Nope, which received praise for blending horror with science fiction elements focused on an alien invasion. Reuniting with actor Daniel Kaluuya, Nope gained recognition as one of the best movies of its release year and a modern sci-fi highlight. Although Us did not achieve the same level of critical or audience adoration, it remains the most straightforward horror film of Peele’s three, emphasizing fright above all else.
What Choosing Us as the Least Favorite Reveals About Peele’s Work
Labeling Us as the least favorite entry in Jordan Peele’s portfolio is not a harsh criticism but rather a reflection of the filmmaker’s consistently high standards. Each of his films stands out in a unique way, demonstrating notable versatility within the horror genre and beyond.
The success of Get Out, Us, and Nope is evident in their strong Rotten Tomatoes scores, which range from 83% to 98%, coupled with their solid commercial performance. Fans of Jordan Peele horror films are unlikely to find a wrong choice among his releases, depending on whether they seek social commentary, sci-fi horror, or pure scares.
For those wanting the most frightening Peele experience, Us is recommended, while Get Out remains his most critically acclaimed masterpiece.
Main Cast of Us
- Lupita Nyong’o as Adelaide Wilson / Red
- Winston Duke as Gabe Wilson / Abraham
“Us is filled with disturbing imagery and a heavy atmosphere that intensifies the unsettling experience.” – unnamed source
“Lupita Nyong’o makes sure that Red is one of the scariest modern film characters.” – unnamed source
