‘Get Out’: The Sunken Place Symbolism & Psychology Explained
Jordan Peele’s ‘Get Out’ is a masterclass in psychological horror, and one of its most haunting elements is the concept of the Sunken Place. This terrifying void, where the protagonist Chris finds himself trapped, has become one of the most iconic metaphors in modern cinema. In ‘Get Out’, the Sunken Place isn’t just a fictional mind prison—it’s a powerful symbol of racial oppression and psychological control.
In ‘Get Out’, Chris is thrown into the Sunken Place by Missy Armitage’s hypnosis. His body remains functioning, but his consciousness is locked in a dark, empty space. He watches the world through a small screen, helpless and silenced. This moment in ‘Get Out’ reflects the way systemic racism can silence and disempower Black voices in society.
The psychological implications of the Sunken Place are profound. It represents dissociation, helplessness, and a loss of agency—experiences often tied to trauma. In ‘Get Out’, this is literalized, showing how Chris’s autonomy is stripped away. He becomes a spectator in his own life, echoing the feeling many have when they’re marginalised or ignored.
Image Courtesy: Game Rant
From a symbolic standpoint, the Sunken Place in ‘Get Out’ has been widely interpreted as a critique of performative allyship and passive racism. The Armitages pretend to be progressive, yet they literally steal Black bodies. This chilling contradiction deepens the horror of ‘Get Out’ and reinforces the message that racism isn’t always overt—it can be hidden beneath smiles and false admiration.
Visually, the Sunken Place scene in ‘Get Out’ is minimal yet emotionally devastating. The floating effect and eerie silence enhance the surreal, dream-like terror. It invites viewers to consider how trauma can feel like being locked away, screaming into a void no one hears. In Get Out, this metaphor serves not just the story but also the broader social commentary.
Image Courtesy: Game Rant
What makes the movie powerful is how it blends real psychological concepts with horror tropes to expose deeper truths. The Sunken Place is a fictional construct, but its roots are in real emotional and social experiences. That’s what elevates ‘Get Out’ from a thriller to a cultural statement.
Ultimately, the Sunken Place is more than just a scary moment —it’s a lasting symbol of psychological imprisonment and societal erasure.
–Farheen Ali
