Understanding The Sunken Place: Exploring the Profound Meaning in Get Out by Jordan Peele

The Profound Concept of The Sunken Place

Get Out, the 2017 horror-thriller directed by Jordan Peele, has captivated audiences with its thought-provoking narrative and powerful symbolism. The film masterfully intertwines social commentary with gripping storytelling, delving into the themes of race and identity in contemporary America.

Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) smiling at the garden party in in Get Out

The story follows Chris, a Black photographer, as he uncovers disturbing secrets while visiting his white girlfriend's family estate. The directorial debut of Jordan Peele has not only received critical acclaim but has also sparked widespread discussions about its underlying messages and symbols.

Daniel Kaluuya as Chris on the ground looking scared at the end of Get Out

What sets Get Out apart is its nuanced approach to horror, using the genre as a vehicle to address real-world issues. The film's most notable concept, 'The Sunken Place,' has become a powerful metaphor, resonating with audiences for its depiction of racial oppression. Peele's commentary through The Sunken Place extends beyond the confines of the film, offering a poignant critique of the real-world dynamics that stifle Black creativity and presence in cinematic narratives.

Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) choking a smiling Rose (Allison Williams) at the end of Get Out

Twitter article posted by Jordan Peele

The Metaphor of The Sunken Place

In Get Out, The Sunken Place is a powerful metaphor that represents the marginalization of Black voices and experiences, particularly in cinema. According to Jordan Peele, The Sunken Place symbolizes the systemic silencing and underrepresentation of Black individuals in the film industry and broader societal contexts.

Daniel Kaluuya Chris in jail on the phone with an orange jumpsuit on in the Get Out alternate ending

The visual and emotional impact of The Sunken Place scene metaphorically illustrates the struggles faced by Black artists and storytellers in an industry where their voices are often unheard or overshadowed. Peele's commentary through The Sunken Place extends beyond the confines of the film, offering a poignant critique of the real-world dynamics that stifle Black creativity and presence in cinematic narratives.

Close up on Daniel Kaluuya as Chris crying in Get Out

The Symbolism of Chris's Escape

The escape from The Sunken Place in Get Out is not just a pivotal moment in the film's narrative but also a symbolic act of resistance and empowerment. Chris's use of cotton to block the hypnotic commands symbolizes a powerful act of reclaiming a symbol of oppression and turning it into a means of survival.

A screenshot of Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) being surrounded by white houseguests in Get Out

This escape can be seen as a metaphor for breaking free from systemic oppression, signifying the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and using one's resources to resist and overcome subjugation. It serves as a powerful testament to the strength and ingenuity required to navigate and dismantle the structures that seek to marginalize and silence Black voices and experiences.