Its Trevor’s Top 25 Films of the last 25 Years, with #20, US, a 2019 film directed by Jordan Peele. A family vacationing in Santa Cruz, must survive a home invasion perpetrated by familiar intruders.

This is a giddy scary film; a director’s creativity, humor, and social critique run wild. Peele used the clout he earned after GET OUT and went harder and wider; weaving themes of class warfare, the evil banality of cultural appropriation, and cynical performative charity into a wild narrative. Also crammed in there are ideas of psychological duality, decaying capitalism, even incorporating the caricature of minstrel performance. Peele described the film as a Rorschach, how you see the theme you want. I love this explosion of ideas, framed against a deep knowledge of cinema. The ending crescendoes into an exhilarating revelation that is a big fat swing for the fences. And it is funny, my goodness, scenes that have such terrifying coldness and humor at the same time.

Best Scene. The long monologue Lupito gives in front of the fireplace. Tears and fear, mixed with the oddest voice creation I’ve heard in a film. The tension is whip-tight, perfectly broken by a light laugh line to let the audience release some anxious laughter.

Best Performance. Lupito Nyong’o is astounding. The choices she makes in her movement, in her voice, are so intriguing and powerful, this is an actress at the peak of her powers. Elizabeth Moss also shows tremendous versatility in only a few scenes.

A deliriously fun thrilling film on its own but also filled with delightful thematic depth for those willing to dive deeper.