Us: 7 Ways Jordan Peele Defies Modern Horror Conventions
5. The Symmetry
Typically speaking, horror films want audiences to experience fear at the same time as the protagonists. This is why characters in horror movies tend to be afraid of sharks and masked murderers rather than, say, frisbees.
Us, on the other hand, manages to create tension with simple moments such as a frisbee landing so that it perfectly aligns with one of the giant polka dots on Adelaide's beach blanket. Her friend Kitty remarks that such coincidences seem to be occurring frequently as of late.
Surely enough, we see odd moments of symmetry multiple times throughout the film's early scenes. A toy spider with a real spider crawling next to it. A pair of jaded twins who speak in unison several times in a row (unintentionally, although it still feels like something of an offbeat tribute to The Shining).
Even the film's resident Bible verse - a horror convention Peele decided not to forgo - acts as an example of perfect symmetry. Plenty of scripture makes reference to evil, but Peele specifically chose Jeremiah 11:11 with its mirrored chapter and verse numbers. This does not scare Adelaide when she first sees it, but the same numbers unnerve her later when Jason notices the time on his digital clock.
These are important moments in Us. While the film contains no shortage of bizarre images, it's the little coincidences and moments of symmetry that cause Adelaide distress. In a film where that which looks most familiar is to be feared, the most unnerving images are those which appear too perfect.