Us (soundtrack)
The soundtrack to the 2019 horror film ''Us'' is a critically acclaimed work composed by Michael Abels. It effectively utilizes a blend of unsettling soundscapes, dissonant melodies, and unsettling choral elements to reflect the film's themes of duality, social commentary, and the unsettling nature of the doppelgängers.
Composition and Style: Abels' score for ''Us'' deviates from typical horror film soundtracks. While it certainly incorporates elements of suspense and tension, it also incorporates a significant amount of unsettling beauty and dissonance, often using simple melodies played repeatedly to create a sense of unease and dread. The use of children's voices in certain tracks adds an extra layer of disturbing innocence that contrasts sharply with the film's violent imagery. The score often utilizes unconventional instruments and sound design to create its distinctive soundscapes.
Key Tracks: While many tracks contribute to the overall unsettling atmosphere, certain pieces stand out as particularly memorable and impactful. These include but are not limited to the main theme, often associated with the Tethered and their ominous presence, and pieces that accompany specific scenes of high tension or violence in the film. These tracks highlight the score's dynamic range, moving between moments of quiet dread and explosive bursts of chaotic sound.
Critical Reception: The soundtrack received widespread critical acclaim, praised for its originality, atmospheric effectiveness, and ability to enhance the film's disturbing narrative. Critics noted the score's ability to unsettle and disturb without relying on predictable horror tropes. Many reviewers highlighted the soundtrack's unsettling beauty and its capacity to stay with the listener long after the film's conclusion.
Availability: The soundtrack was released digitally and physically following the film's release, and is readily available for purchase on major online music platforms. It continues to be popular among fans of the film and horror soundtracks in general.