Jordan Peele’s “Us” isn’t just a horror film; it’s a chilling allegory about societal privilege and the ignored underclass. The movie reveals that the Tethered, subterranean doppelgängers of above-ground Americans, were the result of a failed government experiment meant to control the population above. Their uprising represents a reckoning for a society that benefits from the suffering of others.
The Genesis of the Tethered: A Shadowy Government Project
The core premise of “Us” hinges on the existence of the Tethered, meticulously crafted clones existing beneath the United States. This begs the question: what was the purpose of their creation? The film subtly unveils that the Tethered were a government initiative, a social engineering experiment gone horribly wrong. The intention was to create duplicates of individuals living above-ground, linked to their counterparts in a psychic connection. The government’s ambition was to control and manipulate the population through these biological puppets, effectively dictating their actions and thoughts.
However, the experiment failed catastrophically. The Tethered, living in a barren, subterranean world with limited resources and no sunlight, were abandoned and forgotten. The psychic link proved weak and unreliable, preventing effective control. Instead, the Tethered developed their own, twisted culture, mimicking the actions of their above-ground counterparts in a grotesque parody. Fueled by resentment and a yearning for what they were denied, they planned a rebellion, known as “The Untethering,” to overthrow their oppressors.
The Untethering: A Violent Reckoning
The central plot of “Us” revolves around the execution of “The Untethering,” the Tethered’s carefully orchestrated plan to emerge from their underground lairs and replace their above-ground counterparts. This event isn’t a random act of violence; it’s a coordinated assault, meticulously planned and executed by Red, the leader of the Tethered and the doppelgänger of Adelaide Wilson.
The Untethering is symbolized by the iconic image of the Tethered holding hands, forming a long chain stretching across the nation. This visual representation underscores the scale of the rebellion and highlights the unified purpose of the Tethered in seeking revenge for their suffering. The use of golden scissors as their weapon further symbolizes the act of severing the connection between the Tethered and their above-ground counterparts, freeing themselves from their imposed existence.
The Truth About Adelaide: A Shocking Revelation
The climax of “Us” reveals a game-changing twist: the Adelaide Wilson we’ve been following throughout the film is not the original Adelaide. In a flashback, we see Red, the Tethered version of Adelaide, swap places with the original Adelaide in the Hall of Mirrors as children. Red then takes Adelaide’s place in the Wilson family, effectively infiltrating the above-ground world.
This revelation reframes the entire narrative. Red, originally a Tethered, has spent her entire life living as Adelaide, experiencing privilege and freedom while the original Adelaide languished underground. The film’s final moments solidify this truth, showing a flashback of Red’s transition and Adelaide’s knowing look, confirming her true identity as a Tethered. This twist highlights the themes of identity, privilege, and the consequences of societal inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 What was the purpose of the rabbits in the film?
The rabbits are symbolic of the government’s failed experiment. They are kept in cages, mirroring the confinement and subjugation of the Tethered. They also represent the reproductive capabilities the Tethered were given to ensure their population. The rabbits’ massive numbers signify the sheer scale of the abandoned project and the government’s disregard for life below.
H3 Why did the Tethered mimic the actions of their above-ground counterparts?
The Tethered’s mimicking was a consequence of their psychic connection to their above-ground counterparts. They were genetically engineered to mirror their actions, ostensibly for control. However, with the experiment’s failure, this mimicking became a twisted reflection of everyday life, a constant reminder of their deprived existence. This mimicking ultimately failed to provide the control intended and devolved into a grotesque imitation.
H3 How did Red learn to speak and organize the rebellion?
Red’s ability to speak stemmed from her original identity as the above-ground Adelaide, who experienced normal language development. When she was forced underground, she retained that knowledge and used it to develop a sophisticated plan and communicate with the other Tethered. Her inherent leadership qualities, coupled with her experience of both worlds, enabled her to organize the complex Untethering.
H3 What does the 11:11 motif signify?
The 11:11 motif represents a parallel universe or alternate reality, emphasizing the existence of the Tethered alongside the world above. It also highlights the idea of choice and destiny, suggesting that the Tethered were denied their own path in life. It’s a visual cue reminding viewers of the duality and connection between the two worlds.
H3 Why do the Tethered only eat raw rabbit?
The raw rabbit consumption reflects the dehumanization and deprivation experienced by the Tethered. It symbolizes their lack of resources and forced adaptation to a harsh, underground environment. The act of eating raw rabbit is also a primal, unsettling image, further emphasizing the Tethered’s animalistic nature.
H3 What is the significance of the golden scissors?
The golden scissors are a powerful symbol of severance and liberation. They represent the Tethered’s ability to cut the ties that bind them to their above-ground counterparts, both literally and figuratively. The gold color adds a layer of irony, suggesting that even in their deprived state, they possess a valuable tool for reclaiming their autonomy.
H3 Was Jason (Adelaide’s son) also a Tethered?
The film subtly hints that Jason might have a deeper connection to the Tethered than initially apparent. His masked appearance and unusual behavior suggest he might possess some awareness of the underground world. While not explicitly confirmed, his connection to Pluto (his Tethered counterpart) and his seemingly effortless control over him suggest a closer connection than typical. This ambiguity leaves room for interpretation and fuels fan theories.
H3 Why did the government abandon the Tethered project?
The film doesn’t explicitly state why the government abandoned the project, but the implied reasons are the project’s failure to achieve its control objectives and the logistical challenges of maintaining a massive underground population. The cost and resources required to sustain the Tethered likely became unsustainable, leading to their abandonment. It’s also possible that the government realized the ethical implications of their experiment and chose to bury it, literally.
H3 What does the “Hands Across America” event have to do with the story?
The “Hands Across America” event serves as a crucial historical and symbolic element. It represents a failed attempt at unity and social change, mirroring the Tethered’s ultimate failure to integrate into the above-ground world. The Tethered adopt this formation as a chilling representation of their rebellion, turning a symbol of hope into a symbol of terror and societal disruption.
H3 Are all the Tethered exact replicas of their above-ground counterparts?
While the Tethered are genetically linked to their above-ground counterparts, they aren’t always perfect replicas. The subterranean environment and lack of resources likely contribute to physical differences. Furthermore, the emotional trauma and deprivation experienced by the Tethered shape their personalities and behaviors, creating distinct differences from their originals.
H3 What is the overall message of “Us”?
“Us” is a complex allegory with multiple layers of interpretation. It explores themes of social inequality, privilege, the ignored underclass, and the duality of human nature. It challenges viewers to confront their own complicity in societal problems and to consider the consequences of ignoring the suffering of others. The film suggests that we are all connected, and the choices we make have far-reaching consequences.
H3 Will there be a sequel to “Us”?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a sequel to “Us.” Jordan Peele has expressed interest in exploring the world he created further, but any potential sequel would likely focus on new characters and storylines within the same universe. The ambiguity surrounding Jason’s fate and the vastness of the Tethered’s world provide ample opportunities for future exploration.