The 2017 horror thriller film ‘Get Out’ is Jordan Peele’s directorial debut – in this movie there is masses of symbolism and messages Jordan Peele has been subconsciously sending his viewers. After the release of the film, it won the title of ‘best original screenplay’ with this award Peele created history, being the first black person to achieve this award. However, despite the enticing cinematography of the film, the message Peele is sending to his ever-growing audience is extremely important and relevant within todays society.  

Although the public's attitude towards race has certainly changed, racism has mutated and become deeply embedded within modern day – almost appearing invisible to many people. Within ‘Get Out’ Peele’s writing and symbolism serves as a reminder to how society's past thoughts and ideology are deeply entwined into the present and possibly the future. In an interview, Jordan Peele states “this was a movie that reflects real fear of mine, and real issues that I've dealt with before”. In the beginning of his career, Peele was known for his comedy sketches but chose horror as the genre for his directorial debut in a way to show how much fear people of colour still feel in today's society. 

Throughout the film there is many visual links to slavery - one of the most noticeable being the plantation like estate – the ground keepers are all people of colour suggesting a slave like work attitude. Additionally, these two characters are always seen in older looking clothes highlighting that the treatment of these workers is probably similar to how black people were treated during the time period seen in their costumes. Furthermore, when the protagonist is forced into the ‘sunken place’ it proposes the idea that the white villains are suppressing his will and freedom which could be visually presenting how people of colour feel when faced within racist antics. However, the biggest symbol within ‘Get Out’ could be the title. In the past many small towns in Southern USA had signs that read ‘Get Out’ which were aimed exclusively at African Americans. Black people were not welcome in the town after the sunset which was why these places were given the name of ‘Sundown Towns’ 

Jordan Peele has continued to release movies in the horror genre, after the film ‘Get Out’ in 2017 he went on the write and direct ‘Us’ in 2019 and ‘Nope’ in 2022. Peele cleverly weaves symbolism into his scripts throughout dialogue and imagery that leave audiences questioning and further understanding the films origins and inspirations.