Jordan Peele’s “Us” is a masterful horror film that delves into the unsettling concept of doppelgängers. Released in 2019, the story follows the Wilson family—Adelaide, Gabe, and their two children—as they embark on a vacation to their beach house. What begins as a relaxing getaway soon turns into a nightmare when they encounter their doppelgängers, eerie and violent mirror images of themselves. These doubles, known as the “Tethered,” are determined to take over the lives of their counterparts.
The doppelgängers, known as the Tethered, symbolize the marginalized and oppressed segments of society. They represent the unseen and ignored aspects of humanity that live in the shadows, mirroring the actions of their privileged counterparts above ground without enjoying the same freedoms and opportunities. In the film I feel like the doubles were used to explore themes of inequality, identity, and the duality of human nature, highlighting how societal structures can create and perpetuate divisions.
I think in the film the theme of duality is heavily explored, the concept of duality through its central premise of the Tethered, who are the doubles of the main characters. Each character has a doppelgänger that embodies their darkest traits and repressed emotions. This duality is evident in the way the Tethered live underground, mimicking the lives of their above-ground counterparts but in a twisted and deprived manner. In my eyes the film delves into the idea that everyone has a hidden side, a part of themselves that they do not want to acknowledge. When the Wilson’s are forced to confront their doppelgängers, they must face their own fears, guilt, and the darker aspects of their identities. The theme of duality also highlights social inequality because it illustrates how the privileged and the oppressed are two sides of the same coin.
In my opinion the highlight of the movie is Lupita Nyong’o playing as both Adelaide Wilson and her Tethered double, Red. Her portrayal captures the terror and complexity of confronting her darker self. When watching the film I felt the a haunting tension by the visuals presented in the film that really made me feel like I was living in the movie. When watching “Us” it was evident to me that it is more than just a horror film; it’s a thought-provoking commentary on society and the hidden aspects of our identities.
Sources:
“Jordan Peele’s Black Mirror | Philstar.com.” Philippine Star, 24 March 2019, https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/sunday-life/2019/03/24/1903778/jordan-peeles-black-mirror. Accessed 16 September 2024.
“The Wilsons From ‘Us’ Are Our New Favorite Horror Family.” WIRED, 20 April 2019, https://www.wired.com/2019/04/geeks-guide-wilsons-us/. Accessed 16 September 2024.