Us: 7 Ways Jordan Peele Defies Modern Horror Conventions

7. The Silent Opening

While plenty of modern horror films understand the concept of "less is more" as it applies to gore and monsters, Us applies this maxim to the sound design in its opening scenes. The first sequence does not lean heavily on high-pitched string music to signify an oncoming jump scare or to let audiences know that they're supposed to feel uneasy.

Instead, the first sequence practically does away with non-diegetic music altogether. Just about the only music heard prior to the opening credits comes from Adelaide's TV, the automated sound system in the hall of mirrors, or the sound of Adelaide and Red whistling to one another. When Us finally reaches the first true horror beat of the film, it occurs in absolute silence.

This doesn't mean that audiences won't feel any sense of unease prior to the first scare. As Adelaide follows her parents around the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, the camera depicts the scene from a child's perspective. Her parents look like giants, standing at twice her size. A carnie running games nearby looks strangely obscured to the viewer, as Adelaide is not tall enough to completely see over his booth.

Without any music whatsoever, this simple visual tool causes the familiar to appear imposing. If Us succeeds in putting any of Jordan Peele's abilities on full display, it's his ability to draw discomfort from the mundane. The choice to do this while forgoing traditional audio cues is what makes the opening particularly strong.