Introduction
Get Out was released in 2017 and is the debut horror film from director Jordan Peele. The film tells the story of an African-American photographer, Chris, on his way to meet the parents of his white girlfriend, Rose. Despite the outwardly friendly reception, he notices a series of oddities that unnerve him. The atmosphere in the house becomes increasingly tense, and the presence of other Black people who behave strangely disturbs the protagonist.
Get Out has all the hallmarks of a psychological horror film, but it serves more than just the purpose of scaring the viewer. This deep and thought-provoking film contains references to eugenics and racism and touches on the complex themes of interracial relationships.
Eugenics and Dehumanization in Get Out
Such difficult-to-discuss concepts as “eugenics” and “dehumanization” are shown quite directly in this film. Various nationalist communities have used these concepts to justify the terror of an oppressed minority (Rutherford). Eugenics is the concept of trying to enhance the genetic traits of a group of people by selective breeding or sterilization. Chris certainly did not expect to face this in the US in the 21st century, especially in an intelligent family of doctors.
Throughout the story, the viewer discovers that this White family is engaged in a brain transplant from their aging relatives to young Black people. They explain this by saying that Black people are more physically developed and healthy, so their bodies are great for “carrying” the minds of White people. These conclusions are highly eugenic since one group uses another group as material to improve their family line, regardless of the other group’s wishes. In addition, the Armitage family dehumanizes their victims and African Americans in general, reducing their personalities to mere functions of their bodies. This is an additional fear factor in this horror film, but it also makes the viewer think about the injustice and inhumanity of eugenics as a theory.
Racism Portrayed in the Film
The director also did not bypass racism issues. Get Out is not a classic film about interracial relationships, but its reading of this issue is very fresh and unusual. There are no scenes in the movie where White people directly insult or humiliate the protagonist. Still, an attentive viewer will notice racist statements and actions hidden behind a benevolent facade.
For example, with all their outward politeness and good nature, the Armitage family allows itself to fetishize Chris. In a dialogue with Chris, Rose’s father shows his superficial interest in the hero’s personality, although he verbally tries to prove his disposition toward Black people. This also manifests in the heroine’s inappropriate remarks that she would like to be “Black” and the guests’ obsessive desire to touch the protagonist’s muscles without asking for his consent.
The White people in the film treat the protagonist not as an equal but as a curiosity or object of admiration. Treating a representative of another race as an object, albeit with positive characteristics, directly manifests racism. The protagonist feels this even despite the outwardly positive attitude of others, making him feel insecure and anxious. Get Out exposes hidden racism and how it can manifest itself in everyday interactions.
Background of the Film’s Director
Before Get Out‘s release, director Jordan Peele was known for his comedy sketches. His debut with a horror film, also on such a complex topic, predictably caused a wave of interest in the director. Being an African American, Peele was able to put his feelings and experiences into the protagonist’s personality, and therefore, the film looks so creepy and realistic.
In various interviews, which can be found in the press and online, the director discusses racial issues in entertainment films and the need to make films aimed at a specific discriminated group. In an interview with The New York Times, Peele said about the concept of his film: “You can ask a white person to see the world through the eyes of a Black person for an hour and a half” (Zinoman). The director also explains that the film was made not only for entertainment but also to reflect the main problems many Black people face daily (Sanfiorenzo). This is everyday racism, fetishization, and racial humiliation, which persists in the United States, albeit not as clearly as several decades ago.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Get Out is a strong statement about eugenics and racism while remaining a quality, chilling psychological horror film. It demonstrates the exploitation of bodies of Black people for the benefit of white people, which is shocking and provokes the viewer to draw parallels with nationalist movements. In addition, racism in this movie is shown from the original positions of fetishization and outward goodwill. This serves as an example of the diversity of everyday racism and offers the viewer its danger.
Even though the film ends with an almost miraculous rescue of the protagonist, after watching, it is impossible not to think about the serious questions that the director raises. Get Out is a film that provides a powerful commentary on the issues of eugenics, dehumanization, and racism.
Works Cited
Rutherford, Adam. Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics. Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2022.
Sanfiorenzo, Dimas. “Jordan Peele on ‘Get Out’: ‘What the Movie Is About Is Not Funny’.” Okayplayer. Web.
Zinoman, Jason. “Jordan Peele on a Truly Terrifying Monster: Racism.” The New York Times. Web.