It’s always said to watch your back, but what good does that do when the enemy is you? In Jordan Peele’s “Us,” he creates a world in which everyone has a twin called the “tethered.” Living underground, these soulless government experiments don’t hesitate when killing. While on their Santa Cruz vacation, the members of the Wilson family are pit against themselves.

If this plot doesn’t scream originality, I’m not sure what does. Especially since we’re talking about the horror genre, movies with originality are hard to come across. No one wants to see another slasher or paranormal movie. Since so many horror films have been made, it’s going to take originality to succeed. Originality, fortunately, is something Peele knows. After debuting with his award-winning “Get Out,” which was anything but generic, Peele is committed to releasing original movies. As his second movie, “Us” is projected to earn nominations. Not only is he leading a path for others, but he’s also becoming an icon.

In terms of the movie itself, many aspects combine together made it phenomenal. The pacing can be described as nearly perfect. Throughout the movie, it switches between the present and childhood flashbacks of the mother, Adelaide. This helps the movie flow well since each twist doesn’t seem rushed.

Keeping in mind the concept of everyone having a double, this means each actor had to play two roles. Since Adelaide, played by Lupita Nyong’o, has a twin who has the ability to speak, Nyong’o helps define the film’s success with the way she plays the two roles. She was able to bring to life both the scared, confused mother and the vengeful, psychotic counterpart, making it seem as if they’re truly two separate people. Combined with the soundtrack, this creates quite a sinister tone.

If I could point out where the movie falls short of “Get Out,” besides the forced dad jokes, I would say it’s how “Us” asks the audience to speculate. When given a backstory and motives as to why the “tethered” are attacking, it tends to be a bit confusing. While I admire Peele for trying to dig deep, it would’ve been best to be clearer.

Despite this minor flaw, “Us” is a horror film that has earned its place among the greatest. It takes the path of originality and, with a soundtrack and acting that are exceptional, it succeeded.