How Jordan Peele Transforms Horror with Humor and Social Insight

Dive into the cinematic world of director Jordan Peele and discover other films to enjoy if you appreciate his distinctive style.

The Rise of Jordan Peele as a Horror Visionary

Before earning acclaim as a master of horror, Jordan Peele established himself in the world of stand-up comedy and sketch shows. He initially gained recognition on the comedy series "Mad TV," where he met his future collaborator Keegan-Michael Key. Together, they created the sketch series "Key & Peele" on Comedy Central, known for its sharp, absurd humor on a variety of topics.

Their signature humor stands apart, often eschewing traditional setups and punchlines, instead embracing awkwardness and escalating absurdity reminiscent of the British troupe "Monty Python."

Many sketches tackled the complex dynamics between African American and white communities in the U.S., including a viral sketch featuring former President Barack Obama greeting colleagues differently based on their skin color.

Simultaneously, Peele was developing the screenplay for his dream project. Importantly, Jordan Peele is more than a natural comedian; he grew up immersed in genre films, including both comedy and horror. Among his favorite horror films are the 1986 classics "Critters" and "The Fly," along with "Rosemary's Baby" (1968), "The Stepford Wives" (1975), "The Shining" (1980), and "Misery" (1990).

Drawing inspiration from these films, Peele incorporated suspenseful techniques into his own work. Upon the release of "Get Out," he quickly rose as a prominent figure in horror cinema.

The film was met with critical and commercial success, especially in the U.S., where it grossed significantly on a modest budget. Both audiences and critics praised his directorial debut, which holds a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. "Get Out" earned four Academy Award nominations, winning one. Notably, Peele broke barriers as the first Black filmmaker to win for Best Original Screenplay.

The success of "Get Out" set the tone for Peele’s career, deeply intertwined with the horror genre. He directed the socially charged horror "Us," contributed to the reboot of "The Twilight Zone," produced the series "Lovecraft Country," and co-wrote the script for Nia DaCosta’s "Candyman."

His upcoming feature, "Nope," stars Daniel Kaluuya, Steven Yeun, and Keke Palmer, bringing together talent from his previous projects and beyond.

Distinctive Elements of Jordan Peele's Work

Black Leads in Prominent Roles

Peele intentionally casts Black actors in leading roles, sometimes drawing comparisons to the 1970s blaxploitation genre, which targeted Black audiences. In "Us," for example, all main characters are African American, yet the story does not focus on racial issues; instead, it portrays well-off middle-class individuals.

While Hollywood has made strides toward diversity, major blockbusters still predominantly feature white leads. Peele stands out as one of the few influential figures who casts people of color beyond narratives centered solely on race-related themes.

He explains his casting philosophy plainly:

"I can't imagine casting a white guy in a lead role. Not because I don’t like white guys, but because I’ve already seen those films."

— Jordan Peele, Director and Screenwriter

Suspense Rooted in Paranoia

Peele expertly evokes unease in audiences. Beneath the surface of his characters’ polished facades often lurk disturbing truths.

In "Get Out," the protagonist worries that his girlfriend’s parents might be racist, but they greet him warmly. Yet an unsettling atmosphere persists, hinting that something is amiss.

For instance, early in the film, the characters accidentally hit a deer, which the protagonist sympathizes with. Shortly after, the father-in-law delivers a lengthy and uncomfortable speech expressing disdain for deer. Though framed humorously, this raises questions about his true nature.

Later, the father casually mentions black mold in the basement—a detail that carries a double meaning, considering the protagonist’s race.

Horror as a Vehicle for Social Commentary

Peele’s directorial vision is shaped by socially conscious horror films such as Brian Forbes' "The Stepford Wives" and Roman Polanski’s "Rosemary’s Baby." These classics use metaphor to critique societal constraints, particularly on women.

Another inspiration is George Romero’s seminal "Night of the Living Dead," often interpreted as a commentary on racism and social division, featuring an African American man and a white woman trapped together and confronting both zombies and racial tensions.

In "Get Out," Peele critiques the liberal elite—those who profess progressive values yet harbor subtle racial biases. These characters mask their intolerance behind forced smiles, continuing to judge others based on race.

In "Us," Peele shifts focus to broader societal inequality, portraying privileged families oblivious to the struggles of marginalized groups, who eventually confront them in a chilling home invasion.

Homages to Classic Cinema

Peele’s films pay tribute to past cinematic masters through respectful nods rather than direct references.

For example, the eerie twins in "Us" recall the ghostly sisters from Stanley Kubrick’s "The Shining." The stylish blue-tinted opening credits of "Get Out" also echo Kubrick’s aesthetic. Additionally, the scene where the protagonist is abducted by a figure wearing a Templar helmet nods to Michael Myers’ iconic mask from John Carpenter’s "Halloween." Numerous such parallels enrich Peele’s films.

Jordan Peele’s Must-Watch Films

Get Out

Get Out

• USA, Japan, 2017
• Genres: Thriller, Horror, Mystery, Comedy
• Duration: 104 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 7.7

Chris Washington, a talented Black photographer, visits his white girlfriend Rose’s family. Her parents, a neurosurgeon and a psychiatrist, welcome him warmly, but beneath their smiles lies a dark secret. Peele reimagines the classic "meeting the parents" trope through a blend of black comedy and horror, skillfully twisting clichés to keep audiences both scared and amused.

Us

Us

• USA, China, Japan, 2019
• Genres: Thriller, Horror, Mystery, Comedy
• Duration: 116 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 6.8

Set against the backdrop of the 1986 Hands Across America charity event, young Adelaide encounters her exact double in a theme park attraction. Twenty years later, she and her family return to the coast, only to face hostile doppelgängers invading their home. "Us" critiques performative progressivism and superficial charity efforts, while its title cleverly alludes to the United States, urging unity to tackle social challenges.

Films to Watch if You Enjoy Jordan Peele’s Work

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?

• USA, 1967
• Genres: Dramedy, Drama
• Duration: 108 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 7.8

In the 1960s, a young white woman introduces her African American fiancé to her liberal parents. Despite the father’s lifelong advocacy for civil rights, he struggles to accept their interracial relationship. This groundbreaking film challenged societal norms and inspired Peele’s "Get Out," which explores subtler forms of racial tension.

The Skeleton Key

The Skeleton Key

• USA, 2005
• Genres: Horror, Thriller
• Duration: 104 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 6.5

This mystical thriller follows Caroline, a compassionate woman hired to care for a disabled man in a Louisiana mansion. She receives a key that opens every door except one attic door. The film shares thematic and stylistic elements with "Get Out," especially its surprising and thought-provoking ending.

In Fabric

In Fabric

• UK, 2018
• Genres: Horror, Comedy, Mystery
• Duration: 118 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 6.2

Divorced bank teller Sheila buys a striking red dress, hoping it will help her find love. Instead, the garment brings misfortune. Director Peter Strickland crafts a stylish blend of horror and dark comedy, drawing inspiration from vintage European horror films, particularly 1960s Italian giallo cinema. The film’s unconventional narrative shifts may explain its modest audience ratings.

Antebellum

Antebellum

• USA, 2020
• Genres: Thriller, Drama
• Duration: 125 minutes
• IMDb Rating: 5.7

Writer and activist Veronica Henley mysteriously finds herself transported to the era of the American Civil War, becoming a plantation slave. She must unravel the mystery and escape her nightmare. Produced by the team behind "Get Out" and "Us," this debut feature by Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz offers a thematic experience reminiscent of Peele’s work.

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