Many times it feels like there is a lack of originality within horror films as most of them involve an exorcism or a serial killer or a paranormal presence. Get Out, however, challenges the traditions within the horror genre and brings a new level of depth back into thrillers.

Jordan Peele, widely known for his comedy sketches, makes his directorial debut with Get Out, a story he has been concocting for years. The film follows Chris Washington, an African American photographer, and the trip he takes to meet his white girlfriend’s family in their hometown. Upon arriving, Chris begins to notice peculiar things about the (few) black people within the town, especially the housekeepers at his girlfriend’s home. As Chris digs deeper into the truth behind this antiquated town, he discovers dark secrets that threaten his own existence.

Peele perfectly comments on the current African American experience through Chris’s experiences. He experiences racism and ignorance when he meets those in his girlfriend’s town, and it becomes apparent that his existence is not welcome. One of the things that makes Get Out so powerful is that it actually has a clear and meaningful message, which is an element that many other horror movies lack. The film captures the animosity shown to Chris and other African Americans based on their “genetic makeup,” and how this cannot be tolerated.

Get Out includes so many subtleties that also hint on the underlying racist tones African Americans experience. For example, at one point Rose’s parents, Rose is Chris’s girlfriend and played by Alison Williams, and their friends participate in a game of Bingo, which actually is an auction for Chris himself. Obviously this is inspired by slave auctions that occurred in America prior to the Civil War.

Similarly, at another moment in the film, Chris is literally forced to pick cotton in order to save himself from the terrible fate that threatens him. Thus, Peele effectively places many small details that contribute heavily to the overall theme and message of the film.

Daniel Kaluuya, the actor behind Chris Washington, offers a brilliant performance. Kaluuya is relatively new to the film industry, but you would never know based on this performance. He perfectly captures the fear, confusion, and anger that his character feels all throughout the film. It wouldn’t be surprising if Kaluuya’s career skyrockets following this genius performance.

I, myself, am not a fan of horror movies; however, Get Out is extremely different. It is still creepy, but instead of focusing on gore or paranorma like other horror films, Get Out leans more on psychology and social behaviors. Thus, Get Out is a refreshing take on a horror movie, and you will be left thinking about it days after you exit the theatre.