Get Out (2017) Parents Guide: A Comprehensive Overview
Get Out presents a chilling narrative where a young man’s weekend visit with his girlfriend’s parents unravels into a terrifying ordeal, filled with unsettling discoveries.
This guide offers detailed insights into potentially disturbing content, assisting parents in determining age appropriateness and preparing for sensitive themes explored within the film.
Expect explorations of racial tension, psychological manipulation, and suspenseful scenarios, demanding careful consideration before viewing, especially with younger or sensitive audiences.
Understanding the film’s mature themes—including violence and disturbing imagery—is crucial for informed parental guidance and facilitating meaningful discussions afterward.
Overall Concerns & Maturity Themes
Get Out (2017) is a profoundly disturbing film that tackles complex and mature themes, making it unsuitable for younger or particularly sensitive viewers. The core concern revolves around the film’s unflinching exploration of racism, not merely overt prejudice, but the insidious nature of microaggressions and systemic oppression. This isn’t a simple horror story; it’s a social thriller that holds a mirror to uncomfortable truths about societal biases.
Beyond racial undertones, the film delves into themes of control, manipulation, and the loss of agency. The psychological impact of the narrative is significant, with scenes designed to create intense unease and anxiety. The film’s premise – meeting the girlfriend’s parents turning lethal – immediately establishes a high-stakes, unsettling atmosphere.
Parents should be aware that the film doesn’t shy away from disturbing imagery and violence, which are integral to conveying its message. The exploration of power dynamics and the unsettling behavior of the Armitage family contribute to a pervasive sense of dread. It’s a film that will likely spark conversations about difficult topics, requiring thoughtful discussion and emotional preparedness.
Core Plot & Initial Premise
Get Out centers around Chris Washington, a young African-American man, who nervously prepares to meet the parents of his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage. The initial premise appears straightforward: a seemingly typical weekend visit to a family estate. However, a palpable sense of unease quickly develops as Chris observes the peculiar behavior of the Armitage family and their African-American staff.
What begins as awkwardness and subtle microaggressions gradually escalates into a deeply unsettling experience. Chris notices the overly accommodating and strangely robotic demeanor of the Black housekeeper and groundskeeper, fueling his growing suspicion that something is profoundly wrong. The Armitage’s seemingly progressive attitudes mask a sinister undercurrent, creating a mounting tension.
The film masterfully builds suspense as Chris attempts to decipher the true nature of Rose’s family and the unsettling secrets hidden beneath their idyllic facade. This initial setup establishes a compelling narrative that quickly spirals into a terrifying and thought-provoking exploration of race and control.
Racial Undertones & Social Commentary
Get Out is profoundly layered with racial undertones and serves as a sharp social commentary on the complexities of race relations in contemporary America. The film doesn’t shy away from exploring the insidious nature of liberal racism – the outwardly progressive attitudes that conceal deeply ingrained biases.
The Armitage family’s fascination with Chris’s physicality and perceived “otherness” highlights the historical objectification of Black bodies. The unsettling dynamic between the family and their Black staff subtly critiques the legacy of slavery and the continued exploitation of African Americans. The film cleverly uses symbolism and allegory to expose uncomfortable truths about racial dynamics.
It challenges viewers to confront their own biases and examine the subtle ways racism manifests in everyday life. Get Out isn’t simply a horror film; it’s a powerful and provocative statement about race, power, and control, prompting crucial conversations about societal issues.
Suspense & Psychological Thriller Elements
Get Out masterfully builds suspense through a creeping sense of unease and psychological manipulation, establishing itself firmly within the psychological thriller genre. The film excels at creating a pervasive atmosphere of dread, where Chris’s growing discomfort mirrors the audience’s own mounting anxiety.
Jordan Peele employs subtle cues and unsettling interactions to create a feeling that something is profoundly wrong, even before the true horror is revealed. The narrative skillfully plays with expectations, keeping viewers constantly on edge and questioning the motives of those around Chris.
The film’s strength lies in its ability to generate tension not through jump scares, but through a slow burn of psychological torment. This makes Get Out a particularly unsettling experience, as the horror is rooted in the characters’ minds and the disturbing implications of their actions.
Violence & Gore
Get Out contains instances of violence, though it’s not excessively graphic in the traditional sense. The film relies more on the implication of violence and the psychological impact of disturbing acts rather than explicit gore. However, when violence does occur, it can be sudden and impactful, contributing to the film’s overall unsettling tone.
While not constant, the violence depicted is often brutal and serves a narrative purpose, highlighting the sinister nature of the antagonists and the horrifying reality of Chris’s situation. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the consequences of these acts, adding to the sense of dread and tension.
Parents should be aware that the violence, while not gratuitous, is present and may be disturbing for sensitive viewers. The psychological horror often amplifies the impact of the physical violence shown onscreen, making it particularly unsettling.
Specific Violent Scenes – Detailed Breakdown
Several scenes in Get Out feature notable violence. The “party” sequence includes a disturbing, prolonged scene of forced immobilization and psychological torment, though largely implied rather than graphically shown. This scene is particularly unsettling due to its violation of personal space and control.
Later, the confrontation with Walter, Rose’s father, escalates into a physical struggle involving blunt force trauma and a tense, claustrophobic environment. This scene is more overtly violent, with visible injuries and a sense of desperation. The subsequent scenes involving the “auction” and the surgical procedures are intensely disturbing, focusing on body horror and the dehumanization of the victims.
These scenes are not prolonged in explicit detail, but their impact is significant due to the context and the psychological weight they carry. Parents should be prepared to discuss these moments with their children, focusing on the themes of power, control, and the consequences of prejudice.
Disturbing Imagery & Body Horror
Get Out employs unsettling imagery throughout, building a pervasive sense of dread. The “Sunken Place” itself is a visually disturbing concept, representing a loss of control and agency, depicted as a dark, empty void. This imagery is psychologically impactful, rather than graphically violent.
However, the film escalates into explicit body horror during the reveal of the Armitage family’s true intentions. Scenes depicting surgical procedures and the transfer of consciousness are particularly graphic, though not excessively prolonged. These scenes involve visual representations of bodies being violated and manipulated, which may be deeply disturbing for sensitive viewers.
The imagery associated with the “re-pairing” process, and the fate of previous victims, is profoundly unsettling. Parents should be aware of these elements and prepared to discuss the film’s exploration of dehumanization and the exploitation of bodies with their children.
The “Sunken Place” – Psychological Impact
The “Sunken Place” is arguably the most impactful and disturbing element of Get Out, representing a state of paralyzed consciousness and the loss of autonomy. It’s not a physically violent space, but its psychological horror is profound, symbolizing the silencing and subjugation of Black individuals.
The visual depiction – Chris being forced into a dark, detached state while observing his surroundings – is deeply unsettling and evokes feelings of helplessness and isolation. This imagery powerfully conveys the experience of being marginalized and stripped of agency.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the metaphorical weight of the “Sunken Place” with their children, explaining its connection to historical and contemporary issues of racial oppression and control. The film uses this concept to explore themes of power dynamics and the psychological toll of systemic racism, making it a crucial element for understanding the film’s message.
Sexual Content & Nudity
Get Out contains limited but suggestive sexual content, primarily revolving around the unsettling dynamics between Chris and his girlfriend, Rose, and the predatory behavior exhibited by the Armitage family. While there are no explicit sex scenes, the film employs suggestive dialogue and situations that contribute to the overall sense of unease and manipulation.
Brief moments of nudity are present, mostly involving the Black bodies that have been “co-opted” by the Armitage family. This nudity isn’t presented in a sexualized manner, but rather as a disturbing display of control and objectification, adding to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
Parents should be aware that these elements, though not graphic, are integral to the film’s exploration of power imbalances and the exploitation of Black bodies. Discussion regarding consent and the problematic nature of the depicted dynamics may be beneficial;
Brief Nudity & Suggestive Themes
Get Out features fleeting instances of nudity, primarily showcasing the bodies of individuals who have fallen victim to the Armitage family’s sinister scheme. These scenes aren’t gratuitous but serve to highlight the dehumanization and objectification central to the film’s disturbing narrative.
Suggestive themes permeate the film, often manifesting in the unsettling gazes and controlling behaviors of the Armitage family members towards Chris and other Black characters. These interactions create a palpable sense of discomfort and foreshadow the horrifying truth behind their hospitality.
The film subtly explores themes of sexual exploitation and the appropriation of Black bodies, prompting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about race and power dynamics. Parents should be prepared to discuss these complex issues with their children, emphasizing the importance of consent and respect.
Language & Profanity
Get Out incorporates language that reflects the characters’ emotional states and the escalating tension throughout the film. While not excessively profane, the movie does contain instances of strong language, including several uses of the word “fuck” and other expletives.
The profanity isn’t used gratuitously but rather serves to emphasize moments of stress, anger, or desperation. Characters employ harsh language during confrontations and moments of intense psychological pressure, contributing to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
Parents should be aware that the language may be offensive to some viewers, particularly younger children. The intensity and frequency of swearing increase as the plot thickens and the true nature of the Armitage family is revealed, mirroring the growing sense of dread and danger.
Frequency & Intensity of Swearing
The swearing in Get Out isn’t constant, but it’s strategically placed to amplify the emotional impact of key scenes. Initially, profanity is relatively infrequent, appearing mainly in moments of frustration or disbelief as Chris navigates the awkward interactions with the Armitage family and their guests.
However, as the narrative intensifies and Chris’s sense of unease grows, the frequency and intensity of the language increase significantly. Strong expletives are used during confrontations, moments of terror, and when characters express their desperation or anger.
The most potent swearing often accompanies scenes of violence or psychological manipulation, heightening the sense of dread and contributing to the film’s overall disturbing tone. Parents should anticipate a noticeable escalation in profanity during the latter half of the movie.
Drug Use & Alcohol Consumption
Get Out features depictions of both alcohol consumption and subtle, yet unsettling, instances suggestive of drug use, primarily employed as tools of control and manipulation. Alcohol is present throughout the film, often used to loosen inhibitions and create a false sense of comfort amongst the Armitage family and their guests.
Characters are frequently shown drinking, and the atmosphere at the gatherings often revolves around alcoholic beverages. More concerning is the implication of a substance being used on Chris, subtly introduced through beverages and seemingly causing a dissociative state.
While not explicitly shown as recreational drug use, the effects observed – disorientation, paralysis, and a loss of control – strongly suggest the presence of a manipulative substance. Parents should be aware of this element and prepared to discuss the dangers of coercion and surreptitious drugging with their children.
Depiction of Substance Use
Get Out doesn’t showcase overt, recreational drug use; however, it masterfully employs the suggestion of substances as a central element of its unsettling narrative, focusing on involuntary administration and its horrifying consequences. The film subtly implies that Chris is being drugged without his knowledge or consent, primarily through beverages offered by the Armitage family.
This isn’t portrayed as casual partying, but as a calculated method of control, inducing a paralyzed state and facilitating the sinister plans of the family. The effects – disorientation, a feeling of being “watched,” and ultimately, the “Sunken Place” – are presented as direct results of this unseen manipulation.
Parents should note this isn’t a depiction of drug culture, but a disturbing exploration of power dynamics and the violation of bodily autonomy. Discussions should center on consent, recognizing manipulative tactics, and the dangers of accepting substances from unknown sources.
Themes of Control & Manipulation
Get Out profoundly explores the insidious nature of control and manipulation, extending beyond simple coercion to encompass systemic and psychological domination. The Armitage family’s seemingly welcoming façade masks a deeply disturbing agenda: to steal Black bodies and inhabit them with the consciousnesses of wealthy, aging white individuals.
This isn’t merely about physical control, but a complete erasure of identity and agency. The “Coagula” process, and the subsequent “Sunken Place,” represent the ultimate loss of self, where Chris is trapped within his own body, a silent observer of his own exploitation.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the film’s allegorical representation of racial power dynamics and the historical context of exploitation. The film prompts critical thinking about subtle forms of manipulation, the importance of recognizing red flags, and the fight for self-determination.
Exploration of Power Dynamics
Get Out delivers a searing examination of power dynamics, particularly those rooted in racial and socioeconomic disparities. The Armitage family embodies a chilling inversion of societal norms, wielding immense power and privilege to exploit and control others, specifically targeting young Black individuals.
The film meticulously portrays how seemingly polite and progressive attitudes can conceal deeply ingrained prejudices and a desire to possess and control. The auction scene is a particularly stark illustration of this, reducing Chris and others to commodities to be bought and sold based on their physical attributes.
Parents should discuss with their children the film’s commentary on historical and contemporary power imbalances, the dangers of fetishization, and the importance of recognizing and challenging oppressive systems. The film’s brilliance lies in its ability to make these complex issues viscerally felt.
Family Dynamics & Creepy Interactions
The unsettling atmosphere of Get Out is largely fueled by the increasingly bizarre and creepy interactions within the Armitage family. Initially appearing welcoming, their behavior quickly becomes unnerving, marked by overly attentive questioning, forced smiles, and a disconcerting fascination with Chris’s physicality.
Rose’s parents, Dean and Missy, exhibit a particularly disturbing dynamic, employing psychological manipulation and subtle gaslighting to disorient and control Chris. The seemingly innocuous attempts at connection quickly devolve into invasive and unsettling probes into his life and experiences.
Parents should be prepared to discuss with their children the red flags present in the Armitage’s behavior – the constant surveillance, the inappropriate comments, and the overall sense of unease. These interactions serve as a potent warning about recognizing and responding to manipulative and potentially dangerous individuals.
Unsettling Behavior of the Armitage Family
The Armitage family’s behavior in Get Out escalates from awkward to deeply unsettling, creating a pervasive sense of dread. Their seemingly polite facade masks a sinister agenda, revealed through increasingly bizarre and controlling actions. The family’s intense scrutiny of Chris, coupled with their oddly specific inquiries, immediately raises red flags.
Their attempts to appear “woke” and progressive feel performative and insincere, serving only to further isolate Chris and highlight their underlying prejudice. The unnerving calmness with which they discuss sensitive topics, and their detached observation of Chris’s discomfort, is particularly disturbing.
Parents should note the subtle yet persistent power dynamics at play, and discuss with their children how seemingly harmless behaviors can be indicative of manipulation and control. The Armitage’s actions demonstrate the importance of trusting one’s instincts and recognizing warning signs in interpersonal relationships.
Potential Triggers & Sensitive Content
Get Out tackles deeply sensitive themes that may be triggering for some viewers. The film prominently features discussions and depictions of racism, both overt and subtle, which can be distressing. It explores the historical trauma associated with racial injustice and the psychological impact of systemic oppression.
Furthermore, the film contains scenes of violence, body horror, and psychological manipulation that could be upsetting. The “Sunken Place” sequence, in particular, is a visually and emotionally intense experience that may induce anxiety or panic. Parents should be aware of these elements and consider their child’s emotional maturity.
Discussions surrounding trauma, control, and power dynamics are central to the narrative. Viewers sensitive to these topics should approach the film with caution. Open communication before and after viewing is recommended to process potentially difficult emotions and facilitate healthy dialogue.
Discussion of Racism & Trauma
Get Out serves as a potent catalyst for discussing the insidious nature of racism and its lasting trauma. The film doesn’t shy away from portraying microaggressions, fetishization, and the historical exploitation of Black bodies, prompting crucial conversations about racial dynamics.
It’s vital to acknowledge the film’s exploration of how seemingly progressive individuals can harbor unconscious biases and perpetuate harmful systems. The narrative highlights the psychological toll of constantly navigating a society riddled with racial prejudice and the feeling of being “othered.”
Parents should facilitate discussions about the film’s symbolism and its commentary on contemporary racial issues. Exploring the concept of the “Sunken Place” as a metaphor for the silencing and marginalization of Black voices can be particularly impactful. Encourage empathy and critical thinking regarding the film’s challenging themes.
Age Appropriateness & Recommendations
Get Out is generally not recommended for viewers under 17 due to its intense themes, disturbing imagery, and pervasive sense of dread. Mature teenagers may be able to engage with the film, but parental guidance is strongly advised to facilitate discussion and processing.
Consider your child’s emotional maturity and sensitivity to violence, psychological thriller elements, and racial themes before allowing them to watch. The film’s exploration of trauma and manipulation can be particularly unsettling for younger viewers.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the film’s complex issues openly and honestly. It’s an excellent opportunity to foster critical thinking about societal issues and encourage empathy. Viewing with a parent or trusted adult is highly recommended to provide support and context.