The Reflexive World of US

Us is Jordan Peele’s followup to his Oscar winning social horror gem, Get Out, that uses a broader canvas and a more ambitious concept to feature terrific ensemble performances particularly Lupita Nyong’o.

Flashing back and forth from 1986, a young Adelaide (Nyong’o) wanders into a mysterious, carnival funhouse and witnesses a life changing vision that will haunt her.  Now married, and a mother of a teenage daughter and younger son, she and her husband (Winston Duke) take a family trip to the beach that triggers traumatic memories for her. When Adelaide’s family comes face to face with ominous doppelgangers one night, an evening of unimaginable terror follows.  

Nyong’o is excellent in a demanding, dual role, quite a contrast of personas. Told primarily from her point of view, it’s a deeply personal, frightening journey to the unknown even as her protective, maternal instincts kick in.

The film establishes the deadly threat early and compels the family to find an inner strength and resourcefulness to survive.  There are surprises and twists that will keep you wondering where the convoluted plot will go. It’s a film filled with homages to classics like The Birds, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and The Sixth Sense, and even moments of dark humor.  Music is employed effectively as Peele plants clues and details in his devious mosaic that includes nightmarish images and instances of recurring motifs that may not be coincidences. 

There are open-ended questions like ‘Where do these people come from?’ and ‘Why are they here?’, but Peele, who wrote and directed, sustains the mounting tension from beginning to memorable end. The film will leave viewers with a lingering uneasiness, testament to Peele’s abilities to realize a classic Twilight Zone theme.

***1/2* of **** stars (add ½ star for Jordan Peele fans)

The Empowerment of CAPTAIN MARVEL

The latest Marvel comic to make the big screen, Captain Marvel, is an entertaining sci-fi adventure and origin story for perhaps the most powerful hero in the universe.

A female warrior, Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), trains with the alien Kree race as they are at war with the Skrulls, shape shifting aliens who supposedly infiltrate other worlds.  Plagued by memories of another life, Danvers begins a journey of self-discovery that involves an unplanned visit to earth and meeting young Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson de-aged) of S.H.I.E.L.D. (before The Avengers came into being). As Danvers is caught between Kree and Skrulls, secrets are revealed, loyalties tested, and a new superhero emerges.

The film starts a bit lackluster, but once Jackson (pre-eyepatch) enters the frame, the energy level rises leading to a rousing finale where the pieces come together. Larson, well cast, shows fearless moxie and a sense of humor, and she plays well off Jackson.  The solid supporting cast includes Annette Bening, Jude Law, and Ben Mendelsohn, and there is an adorable, special ‘cat’ named Goose.

Indie directors/writers Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck maintain their focus on Danvers’ rebellious nature and her relationships with her female bestie and with a male buddy (Fury). There is nary a male love interest which is remarkably refreshing as female characters feature prominently.

The film introduces a worthy superhero who figures in the future of Marvel films.  Is it as good as Wonder Woman? No, but it has a lot going for it and serves as a nice bridge or appetizer to the main course, Avengers: Endgame. There are Easter eggs and familiar, Marvel characters e.g. Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg), and there’s a sweet cameo by the late Stan Lee and a couple of key post credit scenes.

***1/2 of **** stars (for Marvel fans and Goose the cat)