A Chilling New Thriller Featuring an Oscar Winner Lands on BBC iPlayer
By [Aamir Furqan]
Published August 17, 2025
A Haunting Arrival on Your Screen
If you’ve ever finished scrolling through your streaming apps and thought, there’s nothing good to watch, BBC iPlayer is here to prove you wrong. Their latest addition might just keep you up at night — and not because of endless scrolling. Jordan Peele’s critically acclaimed psychological horror, Us, has officially landed on the platform, and fans are already buzzing.
With an Oscar-winning performance at its heart and a premise that’s as terrifying as it is thought-provoking, Us is more than just another scary movie. It’s the kind of film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, making you question what’s real, who you are, and whether your reflection in the mirror is truly your own.
Why Us Is Still So Unsettling BBC iPlayer
Released back in 2019, Us didn’t just join the horror genre — it redefined it. Jordan Peele, who had already stunned audiences with Get Out, returned with something even bolder: a story about a family on vacation whose lives are turned upside down when their exact doubles show up… and want them dead.
It sounds simple on paper, but what Peele delivers is layered and unnerving. There’s social commentary about privilege and inequality, unsettling symbolism, and moments of pure, raw terror. It’s one of those films where you’ll find yourself thinking about it for days, trying to connect all the dots.
And that’s the beauty of it. Us is not a film you just “watch.” It’s a film you experience.
Lupita Nyong’o’s Unforgettable Dual Role
At the center of this chilling story is Lupita Nyong’o, who already has an Academy Award to her name (12 Years a Slave). But in Us, she goes beyond what most actors ever attempt — playing not one, but two roles.
As Adelaide Wilson, she embodies a mother trying desperately to protect her family. As her eerie doppelgänger, Red, she is every nightmare personified: her raspy voice, rigid movements, and terrifying presence stick with you long after the screen goes black.
Fans and critics alike still point to this as one of the greatest horror performances of the decade. It’s raw, it’s terrifying, and it’s unforgettable.
What Fans Are Saying
Even though it’s been a few years since its original release, Us continues to ignite conversation. And now that it’s streaming on BBC iPlayer, a whole new wave of viewers is rediscovering it.
One fan tweeted:
“Scissors. Doppelgängers. Social commentary. Jordan Peele’s Us is chilling, clever & completely unforgettable.”
Another wrote:
“I forgot how good of a movie Us is. Jordan Peele did his thing for sure.”
And perhaps the most common reaction:
“That ending… crazy af.”
It’s not just a film people watch — it’s a film they debate, analyze, and revisit.
Where and How to Watch
The good news? Us is streaming right now on BBC iPlayer. The not-so-good news? It won’t be there forever. Like most additions to the platform, there’s usually a time limit, so if you’ve been meaning to check it out — or watch it again — don’t wait too long.
Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or someone who usually avoids the genre, Us has something for you. It’s clever, stylish, and full of hidden meanings. And if you’re someone who loves to dissect movies, you’ll probably want to watch it more than once.
Why It Matters That Us Is on iPlayer
Sure, streaming services are full of movies. But BBC iPlayer has been steadily curating a library that’s not just big, but good. The arrival of Us is significant for a few reasons:
- Quality over Quantity — BBC doesn’t just throw everything onto the platform. The fact that Us was chosen speaks to its impact and continued relevance.
- A Mix of Prestige and Pop Culture — It’s not often you see an Oscar winner in a horror film, but Us proves that the genre can be just as prestigious as any drama.
- Cultural Relevance — The themes in Us — identity, privilege, trauma — remain just as relevant today as when the film was first released.
Other Thrillers You Can Watch on BBC iPlayer
If Us leaves you wanting more, the platform has plenty of other thrillers worth checking out. Here are a few highlights:
- Reunion — A bilingual thriller led by Rose Ayling-Ellis about a deaf ex-con confronting his past and his estranged daughter. Emotional and gripping.
- Towards Zero — An adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel filled with glamour, intrigue, and a divisive ending.
- The Jetty — Jenna Coleman stars in this popular series about a torched holiday home and secrets that refuse to stay buried.
- The Listeners — A psychological thriller that will get under your skin. A teacher starts hearing a mysterious hum no one else can hear. Creepy and atmospheric.
- The One That Got Away — A tense crime drama that weaves together past mistakes and present consequences.
- A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder — A modern YA crime thriller with strong Nancy Drew vibes. Perfect for fans of dark teen mysteries.
How Us Stands Apart
Of course, while BBC iPlayer is loaded with gripping content, Us stands apart for a few reasons:
| Feature | Us | Other BBC Thrillers |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Horror + Social Commentary | Crime/Drama/Thriller |
| Cast | Oscar-winning Lupita Nyong’o | Ensemble casts |
| Format | Standalone feature film | Limited series |
| Themes | Identity, class, trauma | Revenge, justice, conspiracy |
It’s rare for a horror film to achieve both mainstream success and critical acclaim. Us did both, and that’s why it still resonates.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Watch
Horror always seems to hit harder as the nights start getting darker, and with fall approaching, Us is the perfect pick. But beyond the season, here are three reasons now is the ideal time to watch:
- Jordan Peele’s Legacy — With his continued success, this is a reminder of why Peele is considered one of the most exciting filmmakers of our time.
- Lupita Nyong’o’s Performance — If you’ve never seen her in this role, prepare to be blown away. If you have seen it, it’s worth revisiting.
- Timely Themes — In a world where conversations about identity and privilege are ongoing, Us feels as relevant as ever.
Final Thoughts of BBC iPlayer
There are movies that entertain you for two hours and then fade from memory. And then there are movies like Us — the kind that stay with you, make you think, and give you chills long after you’ve turned off the TV.
Its arrival on BBC iPlayer isn’t just another addition to the catalog; it’s a chance for both new audiences and longtime fans to revisit one of the most striking horror films of the past decade.
So grab a blanket, turn off the lights (if you dare), and dive in. Just remember: sometimes the scariest monsters look exactly like us.
