ENG 225
Horror Thriller Genre
The University of Arizona Global Campus
ENG 225: Introduction to Film
Horror Thriller Genre
Genre theory is a way in which films are viewed and interpreted to be categorized.
Categorizing is done with the help of the techniques, characteristics, and more that are used
throughout the film. When being classified, a film can be sorted under a genre or, in most cases,
multiple genres. For instance, horror films can overlap with suspense-thriller, fantasy, or science-
fiction (Goodykoontz et al., 2019, table 3.1). This paper’s focal point will be the 2017 film Get
Out, categorized as horror and thriller. Using a movie with multiple genres can help with
understanding the convention and assets for each genre.
The movie Get Out stars Daniel Kaluuya as Chris, the African American photographer,
and Allison Williams as Rose, Chris’ Caucasian girlfriend. Chris finally agrees to meet Rose’s
parents, Dean Armitage (Bradley Whitford), a neurosurgeon, and Missy Armitage (Catherine
Keener), a psychiatrist specializing in hypnosis, for the first time at a weekend getaway she
planned at her parents’ house. Chris feels edgy because he doesn’t know how his girlfriend’s
family will treat him since they are White, and he is Black. Upon their arrival, Chris is surprised
to find the Armitage family to be rather welcoming but begins feeling awkward when he notices
the strange behavior from the only two house workers who happen to be African American. The
Armitage had an event planned for that weekend and invited many of their friends. As Rose
introduces Chris to the people at the event, Chris starts feeling uncomfortable with some
conversations. Once he feels the atmosphere changing from weird and awkward to threatening,
Chris decides it is time to leave. As he tries to get out, he encounters many obstacles before he
manages to make it out alive.
Horror Thriller Genre
The University of Arizona Global Campus
ENG 225: Introduction to Film
Horror Thriller Genre
Genre theory is a way in which films are viewed and interpreted to be categorized.
Categorizing is done with the help of the techniques, characteristics, and more that are used
throughout the film. When being classified, a film can be sorted under a genre or, in most cases,
multiple genres. For instance, horror films can overlap with suspense-thriller, fantasy, or science-
fiction (Goodykoontz et al., 2019, table 3.1). This paper’s focal point will be the 2017 film Get
Out, categorized as horror and thriller. Using a movie with multiple genres can help with
understanding the convention and assets for each genre.
The movie Get Out stars Daniel Kaluuya as Chris, the African American photographer,
and Allison Williams as Rose, Chris’ Caucasian girlfriend. Chris finally agrees to meet Rose’s
parents, Dean Armitage (Bradley Whitford), a neurosurgeon, and Missy Armitage (Catherine
Keener), a psychiatrist specializing in hypnosis, for the first time at a weekend getaway she
planned at her parents’ house. Chris feels edgy because he doesn’t know how his girlfriend’s
family will treat him since they are White, and he is Black. Upon their arrival, Chris is surprised
to find the Armitage family to be rather welcoming but begins feeling awkward when he notices
the strange behavior from the only two house workers who happen to be African American. The
Armitage had an event planned for that weekend and invited many of their friends. As Rose
introduces Chris to the people at the event, Chris starts feeling uncomfortable with some
conversations. Once he feels the atmosphere changing from weird and awkward to threatening,
Chris decides it is time to leave. As he tries to get out, he encounters many obstacles before he
manages to make it out alive.
