Nope is a science fiction horror movie written and directed by Jordan Peele. It stars Daniel Kaluuya as Otis Jr Haywood/OJ, Keke Palmer as Emerald Haywood/Em, Steven Yeun as Ricky Jupe Park, Brandon Perea as Angel Torres, Michael Wincott as Antlers Holst, and Keith David as Otis Haywood Sr. Hoyte van Hoytema is the cinematographer and Nicholas Monsour has edited the movie. The runtime is of 130 minutes.
The synopsis reads, “Residents in a lonely gulch of inland California bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery.”
Nope Review Contains No Spoilers
In Jordan Peele’s Nope, OJ and his sister Em witness a spectacle in California that is a threat to human life. OJ is a ranch owner and looks after horses that have been there since his father’s time. The Haywood families have been providing horses to Hollywood for their movies and shoots. But the threat up in the sky changes everything for the Haywoods.
In the 130 minutes, OJ, Em and others try to figure out what the flying UFO-like thing is up in the clouds and how to save themselves and make money out of it. After all, outer space aliens’ footage will give them fame and fortune. But will they survive the danger? We find answers in the end.
Get out and Us have been Peele’s best, chilling works. With Nope movie, the writer-director has taken a light approach to story-telling. The first hour is slow-paced, with much confusion about what is happening. The premise build-up leaves us with many questions we hope to have answers to in the end.
For OJ and Em, the main purpose is to capture the crazy thing in the sky in the camera, sell it out and make lots of money. But little did they know that what they are dealing with sucks up humans inside it and kills them. The UFO-like creature is very particular about what it likes. Its stomach has no space for plastic, steel, papers and more such waste. All it desires is flesh and blood.
Also Read: Royalteen Part 2: Will Netflix Release a Sequel to the Young-Adult Drama?
Along with the danger in the present time, Jordan also teases us with a scary incident that took place on the sets of a TV show. The characters were mercilessly killed by a chimp who was a part of the show. Only one person survived to tell the story. However, what truly happened to the chimp? Is it related to the story? That’s another waiting game for the viewers.
The second hour is comparatively better, has a good pace and keeps us on the edge of the seat. While OJ, Em and Angel execute a plan to find out what the UFO-like beast is up in the sky, we see lots of bloodshed and crazy incidents. The third act built a lot of tension and kept me engrossed but highly confused. I am still confused about what was truly happening. After thinking about the movie for a day since I saw it, I realised that not everything needs to have an answer.
As humans, we can’t have answers to everything that’s happening around us. The more we seek answers, the closer we get to killing ourselves. At least in Jordan Peele’s horror universe. However, I wish there was some clarity given about so many things that happened in the story I saw on the big screen.
Daniel Kaluuya, as OJ, isn’t much of a talker. He’s just like us, trying to figure out what on earth is happening! He does a good job. Keke Palmer brings a lot of energy to the sci-fi horror as Em. She’s funny, radiant and shines the most. Her scenes with Daniel will make you laugh. Actor Brandon Perea is hilarious as Angel.
Nope Movie Review: Final Thoughts
Overall, Nope movie is an interesting take on horror cinema that has some incredible moments but also leaves you confused. It’s not dark and eerie like Peele’s previous movies. The humour has the upper hand this time.
The third act is bizarre, wild and engaging. The actors have done a fantastic job. The scene that creeped me out the most is when the UFO-like creature takes its full form during the climax. It looked like those creepy figures I see in my nightmares sometimes.
The movie is now out in Indian theatres. Book your tickets here.
Also Read: Never Have I Ever Season 3: Who Does Devi End Up With? What to Expect in Season 4?