The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Get Out
Entertainment • Film

Get Out

Get Out is a 2017 American psychological horror film written, co-produced, and directed by Jordan Peele in his feature directorial debut.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Get Out is a 2017 American psychological horror film written, co-produced, and directed by Jordan Peele in his feature directorial debut. The story follows Chris Washington, a young Black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family and uncovers a disturbing conspiracy rooted in racism and body theft.

Premise

The film follows Chris Washington as he meets the family of his white girlfriend, Rose, at their estate in upstate New York. What first appears to be awkward interracial tension becomes a horror plot involving abduction, hypnosis, and body control.

Production and release

Get Out was written and directed by Jordan Peele and released in 2017. It became known as a horror film that Peele described as a “social thriller.”

Themes and interpretation

The film uses horror elements to explore racism, fetishization, and the objectification of Black bodies. The Sunken Place functions as a visual metaphor for helplessness and loss of agency.

Ending

In the film’s ending, Chris survives the confrontation at the Armitage house and is rescued by Rod. Several summaries note that an alternate or original ending would have had Chris arrested, but the released ending has Rod arrive to take him away.

Key facts

  • Jordan Peele made his feature directorial debut with the film.
  • Daniel Kaluuya plays Chris Washington, the film’s central character.
  • The plot begins with Chris visiting the Armitage family estate with his girlfriend Rose.
  • The film’s central mystery involves the Armitages’ secret procedure for taking over Black bodies.
  • The term “the Sunken Place” refers to the hypnotic mental state used to trap victims while leaving them conscious but powerless.

Frequently asked questions

What is Get Out about?
It is about a young Black man, Chris Washington, who visits his white girlfriend’s family and discovers a sinister conspiracy involving hypnosis, body control, and racism.
Who directed Get Out?
Get Out was directed by Jordan Peele, who also wrote and co-produced it.
What does the Sunken Place mean?
The Sunken Place is the hypnotic state in which victims are trapped: conscious, but unable to control their bodies. It is widely read as a metaphor for powerlessness and racial oppression.
Who is the main actor in Get Out?
Daniel Kaluuya is the main actor; he plays Chris Washington.
What is the ending of Get Out explained?
Chris escapes the Armitage estate after killing or disabling his attackers, and Rod arrives to rescue him. The released ending ends with the two driving away, while some sources note an alternate arrest ending was considered or used in earlier versions.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Get_Out
    Supports: Basic film details, cast, plot summary, and mention of an original ending where Chris is arrested.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Get-Out
    Supports: Jordan Peele as writer/director, release year, premise, social thriller description, and Daniel Kaluuya as Chris Washington.
  3. Spoiler Town — https://spoilertown.com/get-out-2017/
    Supports: Explanation of the Sunken Place, the ending, and the final rescue by Rod.
  4. CBR — https://www.cbr.com/get-out-plot-twist-explained/
    Supports: Sunken Place interpretation and ending explanation.
  5. Collider — https://collider.com/get-out-ending-explained/
    Supports: Sunken Place meaning and detailed ending explanation.