A little than more than 50 years ago Jim Crow would have abolished the mere thought of interracial dating. My mom is 62, which means this was not very long ago. Her generation and our grandparents’ generation lived through this and I am only one generation away from being beaten, arrested or even killed for dating outside of my race because it was against the law. Although it’s no longer against the law, it is still against the morality of some. This is what makes “Get Out” so intriguing, heart pounding & immensely scary.

“Get Out” is a psychological thriller that will force you to step into each other shoes for 2 hours and 10 minutes and it will not be comfortable. No matter what race or culture, it is always nerve-wracking to meet the In-laws. When you add the Sidney Poitier’ “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” element, it can bring forth a deeper anxiety that Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) endures. Assumptions invade every space of his mind about how his white girlfriend’s family would perceive him not knowing he’s black. Caution becomes his defense while his lady Rose (Allison Williams) coerces him to put his guard down – based on the non-judgmental parents she knows raised her. As they arrive at her parents estate a series of unorthodox events ensue, making Chris ponder if the awkward energy pertains to his skin color.

“Get Out” is Jordon Peele’s (best known for starring in Comedy Central sketch comedy series “Key & Peele”) directorial début. He is also the writer and co-producer (additionally produced by Jason Blum, Edward H. Hamm Jr. and Sean Mckittrick) of this brilliant storyline that integrates the perfect undertone of humor bleeding through the monstrous political plot that engages in the echo of scare tactics. It is a thought-provoking fear-fest that blazes through the core of delusional superiority within human nature – the real boogeyman in this film.

The score by Michael Abels conjures a haunting ancient soundscape, evoking old spirituals whispering through each well-crafted moment. The opening song lays the foundation for the racy journey this film inhabits.

And a compelling cast of diverse actors gracefully released the ghosts of the past creeping into the present; taking the mask off of denial with evocative passion.

When the trailer first came out, I read social media posts alluding that this film is racist, will only divide us more and how it will scare black men from wanting to date white women. There is so much fear over a conversation that is extremely necessary in a climate of unsettling hypocrisy. This story’s alignment with the social transformation that’s in the air is a powerful chess move on the board of a real life American horror story.

Universal Pictures film “Get Out” was released February 24th 2017 and is now playing at a theater near you.

Samantha Hollins, aka Ghetto SongBird, is a multi-talented singer/songwriter, guitarist, poet/writer, photographer and all around creative soul, who passionately enjoys sharing her positive artistic energy and harmonic vibes. You can follow her, and get additional information about her next tour date, on her Facebook page here; and check out her reviews of Nocturnal Animals and Blair Witch right here on MMT!