There are people that want to believe racism is something simply all in our heads these days. It's 2017, no one's racist anymore! Right?! Um, right?

Wrong.

Some turn a blind eye and choose not to see it, I'm not one of those people. It's clear to me with even the "smallest" of comments that some make. I use quotations because none of these racist leaning things that occur are actually small. They all gather into a a much larger situation that becomes the herd of the problems we face within society.

While I had some time off, I had the chance to do some of the things I had been wanting to (not all because bronchitis hung out until about, well, yesterday - eek!) One of those things happened to be seeing the new(-ish) film from Jordan Peele, "Get Out."

It's already surpassed over $150 million dollars world wide and been gaining rave reviews around the globe, as well. The previews left me wanting more and wondering how could on of the guys behind all the comedy of "Key and Peele" bring us a movie that looked so frightening.

I sat down in the theater not exactly sure what to expect and if you continue reading from here, there may be a spoiler or two and I would hate to be the one to ruin the amazing twist for you, so please read at your own risk. I knew this film was going to involve an interracial couple meeting the girlfriends white family for the first time with some crazy stuff that would be taking place from there. But what kind of stuff? How intense would it get? Would it feel like real life?

Turn out: yes.

Imagine you go to a party and you don't know anyone but the person throwing it. You walk around a bit, looking at unfamiliar faces, unsure of who to talk to (if anyone), feeling uncomfortable and as you're introduced some people may make some awkward conversation based on the little information they've been provided; your job, a sports team based on what you're wearing or as the main character of "Get Out" experiences simply just because of the color of his skin.

I will not for one second pretend that I know the full on emotions and feelings that come along with being the minority because I will never ever know that as a white female. Though, I can say I know how uncomfortable it can be not knowing a single face in a crowd and the vulnerability that comes along with it, which to me is frightening enough. That's why it was horrifying to watch it not only play out on the big screen but to witness the comments that came along with it.

To a white person these comments seem harmless, even innocent or complimentary at times; the talks of athletic ability or speaking "the lingo." But it is far from innocent as shown within, "Get Out."

Things continue to get weird at the girlfriends parents house. Their groundskeeper and housekeeper, who we meet early on are both African American, the one African American guy the main character, Chris does find at the party is just as awkward as the families workers - like they're robots. It becomes clear that something is off and Chris wants out, that's when the movie takes another turn. With hypnosis, the sunken place and a father who does brain transplant surgeries the want of talents, endurance and "benefits" of being black are not only wanted but stolen in this movie.

It is completely eye-opening, to say the least. A well written, very real to life (until the brain transplanting of course) tale and it's so sad that in 2017 this is how things still are. But it's a piece of cinematography that everyone should go and see, if not for the writing, acting, producing then for the shear will of change.

 

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