'Us': Living in a doppelgangsta's paradise

‘Cos I’ve been there and I’m glad I’m out, outta those chains, those chains that bind – oh heck, I’m not.’ Photos: UIP Malaysia

Evil doppelgangers – the backbone of many a fine cinematic chiller, as well as Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (the antithesis of other murderous lookalike tales) – take centre stage in Jordan Peele’s slick, coolly assured follow-up to the inventive and stunning Get Out.

That assuredness shows almost throughout the film, from its curious musical and auditory choices to the verve of its slasher scenes, and the successful interjection of humour at what would normally be totally inappropriate moments.