"Nope" was another brilliant comeback by Jordan Peele | Movie Analysis and Review

2022 - Horror/Sci-Fi

***Major Spoilers Ahead***

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Nope, a film by brilliant writer/director, Jordan Peele, earns its R-rating through usage of disturbing visuals, yet its combination of horror comedy, as well as metaphorical references attached to science fiction action, is what garnered success at the box office. Given the outstanding praise for Peele’s previous mind-bending hits Get Out and Us, there were high expectations for his next film, with viewers wondering whether Nope would fulfill Peele’s previously set record. Having watched it on its debut premiere, I can happily report that it gets a yup from me!

Peele’s approach towards social commentary is typically dialectic, utilizing a uniquely well-written plot to both entertain and directly address important topics. Featuring stars Keke Palmer, Daniel Kaluuya, and Brandon Perea, Nope actually feels less upfront than its predecessors Get Out and Us, instead, choosing to follow a more conventional narrative horror path.

As such, while the film progressed and knowing it's a Jordan Peele film, one can't help but watch it through an analytical lens, wondering what hidden messages are trying to be conveyed under the seemingly straightforward plot. Others, like myself, might even be initially confused by the villain, questioning its meaning and appearance rather than find it terrifying. However, rest assured, Peele is both an entertainer and craftsman, with his films, similar to writer/director Ari Aster (Known for Hereditary and Midsommar), always managing to bend the horror genre to greater depths.

Mankind's Pursuit of Spectacle - The Tragic Tale of Ricky 'Jupe' Park

The film starts off showing a cautionary text from the Book of Nahum, chapter three, verse six, "And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a spectacle." The next scene shown features a chimpanzee on a TV set, viciously attacking and murdering the cast and crew while a little boy watches in horror. This, thus, is the essential plot of Nope based upon nature and spectacle. We often partake in a cruel exploitation of others for our own enjoyment – animals and humans alike – going against nature in belief that we can train and force them to do what we want.

The absurd, horrifically graphic scenes of the chimpanzee played throughout the movie as a sort of reminder, showing an animal behaving viciously despite having been trained and tamed for the use of humans when, in actuality, Gordy was acting according to nature. You can't always tame a predator.

The little boy, Ricky ‘Jupe' Park (played by Steven Yeun), later grew up to mask his trauma of the vicious attack by turning it into a spectacle, just as Gordy and himself had been when he was young. Charging people money, he created a museum to profit off the tragedy, hiding his involvement in the deadly event while, as we see when he tells the story to Emerald and OJ, still heavily suppressing his inner turmoil towards the attack.

We later learn Ricky had been buying horses from OJ, using them to manipulate and control the alien monster in the sky to both, again, profit from and entertain audiences at his Wild West-themed tourist trap. However, tragically, just like the Gordy attack, nature overrode spectacle, costing the audience, and Ricky, the life he had been spared several years prior. Jupe was not a villain, but rather a traumatized, business-oriented entrepreneur – a showman; and the spectacle he created is what cost him his life.

Emerald, OJ, Antlers, and Angel - The Pursuit of Spectacle as Craftsman

OJ, Emerald, Antlers, and Angel, on the other hand, are craftsman, viewing their work in a caliber that places profit below technique, skill, and passion. In the beginning of the film, Emerald and OJ, both ranchers, attempted to use their trained horses for Hollywood profit, though never strayed from explaining the importance of caring for the horse and waiting for the horse’s readiness rather than at the command of humans.

However, when the film crew refused to listen, the seemingly trained horse snapped and fought back, leading the crew to use a green screen horse instead, with OJ hunkering down on the ideals his father instilled in him regarding respecting the nature of an animal. Though, his and Emerald’s desire to honor their father’s legacy, even at the cost of their lives, by catching the perfect shot of the enemy was their own relationship with the pursuit of spectacle.

Antlers, a cinematographer, was shown to be mesmerized by his work, watching his own films in repeated, deep fascination; as if analyzing and reliving the success of his prior creations while, simultaneously, maybe hoping for a new spark to create his next film. His obsession with cinematography and being recognized for “filming the impossible” led him to helping OJ and Emerald on their quest to capture the flying UFO that haunts their farm, allowing his desire for “the perfect shot” to cost him his life.

The TMZ guy, so desperate to uncover the truth, wanted the camera rolling as he died, scorning Emerald for trying to save his life. Angel aimed to capture the spectacle not for fame or financial gain, but rather to warn the world of the impending danger. However, when his life was truly in danger, contrasting parallel to TMZ guy and Antlers, he chose survival over spectacle.

The Meaning of the UFO Alien Villain

Perhaps the biggest reference was the enemy itself, which happened to be a white, apex predator that oversees the entire area, terrorizing and destroying all those it views as a threat to its land. Keke Palmer, Brandon Perea, Steven Yeun, and Daniel Kaluuya are not white, while the inflatable tube people were also of various colors.

The giant white entity chased and devoured all those it thought to be a threat to its existence, only stopping after our characters who, again, were not white, looked down in a fearful, submissive way – granting dominance to the creature that hovered above them while seemingly demanding respect. This parallels slaves who couldn’t look their oppressors in the eye without an onslaught of violence being forced upon them for not being submissive.

However, OJ, despite his quiet, reserved nature, refused to continue living in fear, grabbing colorful flags and riding away as the enemy chased him; as if symbolizing the saving of people of color while the oppressor sought to halt the revolt.

Fear keeps oppressed individuals from taking action, and the alien, the less our main characters feared him, began to get bigger and bigger, using its large posture to maintain its threatening nature. Nevertheless, when those seemingly under it began to fight back, no longer afraid to look at it, our characters gained the knowledge that they can fight back and conquer those that oppress them.

Final Thoughts

Nope, truly, was another brilliant comeback by Jordan Peele, chalked full of comedic and serious references that will leave viewers debating, questioning, and analyzing for weeks after their initial viewing. Angel, played by Brandon Perea, was hilarious, speaking the thoughts any of us would have in this situation, while remaining the perfect comedic relief with jokes that actually landed. Seriously, the entire theater was genuinely laugh. Plus, it seemed incredibly well-placed that in a movie with a flying UFO, Angel brought up the government leaking news about Area 51 in the wake of the pandemic as an aversion tactic.

OJ remaining the calm, collected brother while repeatedly uttering the film's namesake was used super effectively in contrast to Emerald, the playful, outspoken younger sister. The ending scenes involving OJ protecting his sister by leading the villain away from her with her, in turn, protecting him and taking the picture of the alien - incredible! The music and cinematography in the final scenes truly elevated the emotions and lasting impact of the story. Overall, Nope was wonderfully created, the actors all did an incredible job, the music fit the film incredibly well, and I will forever always enjoy watching anything Peele releases. Amazing job!