Get Out concludes with a chilling resolution where Chris Washington, after a harrowing battle against the Armitage family and the Coagula procedure, is saved by his friend Rod Williams just moments before being apprehended by the police. This rescue underscores themes of racial tension, systemic oppression, and the importance of allyship, offering a potent and unforgettable cinematic experience.
The Climactic Showdown and Rescue
The final act of Get Out is a whirlwind of suspense and violence. After discovering the Armitage family’s horrifying plot to transfer the consciousness of wealthy white individuals into the bodies of young black people, Chris Washington is subjected to the “Coagula” procedure, a surgical process designed to implant an older man’s brain into his head. He narrowly escapes, thanks to his resourcefulness and the Armitage family’s internal power struggles.
Chris uses cotton, a tool he recognized earlier as a method for the Armitage’s to control the implanted mind, to clog Dean Armitage’s ears during the Coagula procedure, effectively disabling him. He then uses Dean’s own hunting rifle to defend himself against the remaining members of the Armitage family, Rose, Missy, and Jeremy. Each confrontation is emotionally charged and visually striking, culminating in Rose’s death when Chris runs her over with the police car, having learned to drive at the last minute.
However, just as Chris is about to be arrested by arriving police officers, his best friend Rod Williams, a TSA agent who had previously suspected something was amiss, arrives in his car, saving Chris from what could have been a catastrophic misinterpretation of events. This unexpected intervention highlights the importance of black friendships and the vital role of black allies in navigating a society riddled with racial prejudice. The film ends with Chris and Rod driving away, leaving behind the horrifying reality of the Armitage estate and the lasting trauma of Chris’s experience.
Unpacking the Ending’s Significance
The ending of Get Out is not simply a resolution to a horror plot; it’s a deeply layered commentary on race, identity, and power dynamics in America. The film’s success lies in its ability to blend elements of horror and social commentary, creating a narrative that is both terrifying and thought-provoking.
The arrival of Rod signifies hope and the potential for genuine allyship. Had Rod not arrived, Chris would have undoubtedly been arrested, further emphasizing the vulnerability of black men in a society where racial biases are often ingrained in the systems of power. The ending serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of complacency and the importance of actively fighting against injustice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 What exactly is the Coagula procedure?
The Coagula procedure is the central plot device in Get Out, representing a grotesque form of cultural appropriation and body snatching. It involves surgically implanting the brain of an older, often wealthy, white person into the body of a young, physically fit black person, effectively stealing their youth and vitality. This symbolizes the exploitation and objectification of black bodies throughout history.
H3 Why does cotton play such a crucial role in Chris’s escape?
Cotton, particularly its scent, is a trigger for the “sunken place” – a state of hypnotic paralysis induced by Missy Armitage’s hypnotherapy. Rose uses cotton to control the implanted mind of Chris, but he manages to use it to his advantage to disorient Dean during the procedure. The symbolism of cotton is significant, referencing the history of slavery and the exploitation of black labor in the cotton fields of the American South.
H3 What is the “sunken place,” and what does it represent?
The “sunken place” is a state of hypnotic paralysis induced by Missy Armitage’s method of hypnotherapy. It represents the feeling of powerlessness and marginalization experienced by black people in a society where they are often silenced and unseen. It’s a metaphorical prison where the individual is conscious but unable to control their body or speak out.
H3 Why does Rod suspect something is wrong in the first place?
Rod, a devoted and skeptical friend, becomes suspicious after noticing inconsistencies in Chris’s behavior and communication. He initially jokes about the potential for Chris to be “sex-slaved” by Rose’s family, but as Chris’s messages become increasingly strange, Rod’s suspicions deepen. This highlights the importance of trusting one’s instincts and the power of friendship.
H3 How does Chris manage to fight back against the Armitage family?
Chris is able to fight back due to a combination of factors: his physical strength, his understanding of the Armitage family’s weaknesses, and his resourcefulness. He realizes the power of cotton as a trigger for the “sunken place” and uses it to his advantage. He also learns to drive Rose’s car, demonstrating his adaptability and resilience in the face of extreme adversity.
H3 Why is the ending considered so impactful?
The ending is impactful because it offers a cathartic release after a prolonged period of tension and suspense. It also resonates with audiences because it addresses real-world issues of race, identity, and power in a compelling and thought-provoking way. The arrival of Rod, in particular, provides a sense of hope and affirms the importance of black solidarity.
H3 What is the significance of Rose Armitage’s character?
Rose represents the deceptive nature of racism and the potential for white people to exploit and objectify black people, even under the guise of liberalism. Her seemingly progressive facade masks her true intentions, which are revealed to be deeply sinister and self-serving.
H3 Is the ending of “Get Out” a “happy ending”?
While Chris survives and escapes the Armitage family’s clutches, the ending is more accurately described as bittersweet. The trauma of his experience will undoubtedly linger, and the film raises profound questions about the pervasiveness of racism in American society. The ending provides a sense of closure but also leaves the audience with much to contemplate.
H3 What other interpretations exist regarding the ending of “Get Out”?
Some interpret the ending as a commentary on the generational trauma experienced by black people in America. The Armitage family’s actions represent a continuation of historical oppression and exploitation, while Chris’s survival symbolizes resilience and the fight for liberation.
H3 How does Jordan Peele use horror elements to enhance the film’s social commentary?
Peele masterfully blends horror tropes with social commentary, creating a narrative that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. The Coagula procedure, the “sunken place,” and the unsettling behavior of the Armitage family are all used to highlight the anxieties and fears experienced by black people in a racist society.
H3 What is the overall message that Jordan Peele is trying to convey with “Get Out”?
Get Out is a powerful critique of white liberalism and its complicity in perpetuating systemic racism. The film challenges viewers to confront their own biases and to recognize the ongoing struggles faced by black people in America. It underscores the need for genuine allyship and the importance of fighting against injustice.
H3 How does the soundtrack contribute to the film’s atmosphere and thematic resonance?
The soundtrack of Get Out is integral to its success, using music and sound design to create a sense of unease and tension. The use of traditional African-American spirituals and the juxtaposition of upbeat and unsettling music amplify the film’s themes of racial identity, cultural appropriation, and the hidden dangers of seemingly benign interactions. The soundtrack masterfully builds suspense and emotional resonance, enhancing the overall impact of the film’s message.