In recent years, Jordan Peele’s Get Out has not only captivated audiences but also set a new standard for modern horror. Its unique blend of psychological suspense, social commentary, and terrifying twists has made it a masterclass in horror scriptwriting. In this article, we’ll explore how Get Out uses structure, pacing, and character development to draw audiences into a story that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. From building tension to delivering powerful social messages, Get Out exemplifies how effective scriptwriting can turn a horror film into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re an aspiring screenwriter or a horror fan, these scriptwriting techniques reveal the depth and detail required to create a story that stays with audiences long after the credits roll.
1. Building Tension Through Premise and Structure
Get Out presents a premise that’s simple but loaded with tension—a young Black man visits his white girlfriend’s family, only to realize something is seriously wrong. The premise alone sparks anticipation, as the story taps into societal anxieties and real-world tensions about race and identity.
Technique: The script structures this suspense through “normal” scenes early on that feel slightly off. Peele uses subtle visual and auditory cues that hint something isn’t right without overtly signaling danger. This technique keeps the audience engaged and uneasy, waiting for the moment when things will go wrong.
2. Effective Use of Symbolism and Foreshadowing
Throughout Get Out, there’s strong use of symbolic elements, such as the recurring motif of the “sunken place.” This concept represents loss of control and voice, adding depth to the horror and giving a voice to deeper fears.
Technique: Symbolism in a script can add layers of meaning. Peele’s use of “the sunken place” early on foreshadows Chris’s later entrapment and creates a metaphor for silenced voices, giving the horror an added cultural weight. Foreshadowing can be subtle (like hints in the dialogue or background), and it works well when it serves both plot and theme, as it does here.
3. Creating Complex Characters with Real Stakes
Chris Washington, the protagonist, is relatable and likable. The script carefully builds his backstory, subtly showing his past trauma and how it influences his actions and decisions. His character arc is compelling—he starts as someone reluctant to confront uncomfortable truths and ends up fighting for his survival and reclaiming control.
Technique: Writing characters with personal stakes is essential for engaging audiences in any genre, but especially in horror. Peele accomplishes this by giving Chris a rich inner life and making his stakes deeply personal. Chris’s hesitation to confront his fears mirrors real-world pressures to ignore red flags, and as a result, viewers are more emotionally invested in his journey.
4. Strategic Use of Humor to Diffuse and Amplify Tension
Get Out cleverly incorporates humor through Chris’s friend Rod, who serves as comic relief and a voice of reason. Rod’s humorous skepticism about Chris’s situation adds moments of levity, which paradoxically heightens the film’s suspense by giving the audience brief moments to relax.
Technique: Injecting humor at strategic points in a horror film allows the script to control the pacing of tension. By incorporating Rod’s lighthearted moments, Peele gives the audience a mental break, which makes the suspenseful scenes even more intense in contrast. This balance of humor and horror also reflects real-life dynamics, where people often use humor to cope with stress or fear.
5. Mastering the Reveal with a Satisfying Payoff
The “big reveal” in Get Out is the Armitage family’s horrifying intentions for Chris, explained in a chilling, almost clinical way. The gradual buildup pays off here, with every small hint coming together to create an “aha” moment for both Chris and the audience.
Technique: Effective horror scripts need a satisfying payoff that ties back to previous setups. In Get Out, each clue builds toward this reveal, creating a feeling of inevitability once the audience learns the truth. This payoff works because Peele meticulously plants these clues, making it feel as though every detail was purposeful—a mark of careful planning and an understanding of viewer psychology.
6. Leaving a Lasting Impact with Subtext and Theme
The horror in Get Out isn’t just about physical danger but also the psychological and social horror of being marginalized and controlled. The script explores themes of racial identity and societal exploitation, adding a layer of horror that resonates on a deeper level.
Technique: Subtextual horror can make a film memorable by engaging viewers beyond the immediate story. By embedding themes of exploitation and control, Peele’s script stays with audiences long after the credits roll, sparking discussions on how horror can address social issues. This elevates the film beyond entertainment, making it a conversation starter.
Conclusion
Get Out is a prime example of effective horror scriptwriting because it uses its story structure, symbolism, and character depth to create a film that resonates emotionally and psychologically. Each element, from its carefully controlled pacing to its subtextual themes, demonstrates how to build a horror script that goes beyond surface scares to deliver a meaningful, impactful story.
Key Takeaways for Scriptwriters:
- Build tension through a simple, high-stakes premise.
- Use symbolism and foreshadowing to hint at deeper themes.
- Develop complex characters with personal stakes.
- Balance humor and horror to amplify suspense.
- Craft reveals with a satisfying buildup and payoff.
- Embed themes that add depth and lasting impact.