Keke Palmer in Nope
‘Nope’ Review: Close Encounters of the Surreal Kind
With his third film Nope, which hit theaters July 22nd, Jordan Peele wants audiences looking to the sky in terror. The science fiction horror/thriller stars Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out), Keke Palmer (Alice), Steven Yeun (‘Walking Dead’), Brandon Perea (American Insurrection), and Michael Wincott (The Crow).
Jordan Peele first made a name with the Comedy Central sketch show ‘Key & Peele’, which he created alongside co-host Keegan Michael Key. Then he became a household name after the box office and critical success of his debut feature, Get Out, which also won him the Oscar for best original screenplay. US followed and continued the success making Peele the next great voice in horror.
Opening on a sitcom set while a bloodied chimpanzee appears frightened and confused, it’s clear we’re not going to be getting just a straightforward UFO story. But shouldn’t we be expecting that from Peele at this point? The scene makes more sense later in the film, but it’s a haunting image to open Nope with. An image that becomes more disturbing and prevalent as the story develops.
After the mysterious death of their father, Otis Haywood (Keith David), Otis Jr. a.k.a OJ (Kaluuya) and his estranged sister Emerald (Palmer), try to keep Haywood Hollywood Horses, a ranch that supplies horses for movie stunts, from going under. There is a sense of pride in the business as the first horse stunt rider is said to be their descendant.
When the work dries up, OJ sells his horses to the local frontier amusement park ‘Jupiter’s Claim,’ owned by former child star Ricky ‘Jupe’ Park (Yeun). Park’s whole storyline is a movie in itself, and what he’s doing with the horses isn’t something I’ll spoil for you. The fundamental nature of the park itself speaks to the themes of the movie but leaves a lot of questions that Nope doesn’t explain or need to.
One of OJ’s horses gets loose, and begins acting erratic. OJ witness a strange phenomenon in the sky that he can’t explain, leading him to question, “what’s the opposite of a miracle?” As the sightings increase and strange occurrences ramp up, the two have only one option. Capture it on film and get that “Oprah” shot.
Enter Angel (Perea), the overly anxious and talkative tech advisor who has a lot of time on his hands due to a recent break-up. Also joining their venture is maverick cameraman Antlers (Wincott), who managed to create a handheld IMAX camera that uses no electricity. With the ranch now outfitted with the latest cameras, the siblings are sure anything passing their way will be captured on film. But they are in for a long night ahead as they can’t begin to imagine just what they’re dealing with.
Jordan Peele is a master at subverting one’s expectations. For some, this makes his movies so exciting; for others, it can be a source of frustration. What many expected to be an alien movie ends up being a commentary on the black legacy in Hollywood. It’s also a commentary on the notion that nature must be tamed for our enjoyment and spectacle for profit no matter the cost of life. But this film is also a creature feature. Don’t get me wrong, its more on the level of Jaws rather than Fire in the Sky.
Nope is a beautiful film to look at. Cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema’s eye for the landscape and the shadows gives awe, and wonder during the desert chase sequences evoking pure dread as the sun sets. I think it’s the best-looking film so far from Peele. Added to that is the sound design, which so much of the tone and unease relies on, was created by Johnnie Burn. Nothing will stick in your mind more than hundreds of screams circling your eardrums to be suddenly silenced.
The western elements take it out of time in many aspects. Apart from the modern tech rendered useless when the UAP appears, the movie could have been set well in the past, resulting in a similar narrative. Kaluuya is basically playing a cowboy from a John Wayne picture. Slow moving, soft-spoken when he does speak, respects the animals, knows his surroundings, and utilizes them. He’s old-school Hollywood and takes his time.
On the other hand, Palmer is a firecracker in a crowded room. When she speaks, people notice. The mastermind behind the endeavor. Playing the younger sister role so well, the chemistry between the leads drives much of the drama, tension, and heart. Many of the best lines are reserved for Emerald’s character, and it’s no secret why.
I loved the design of the UFO or UAP. The special effect team helmed by Guillaume Rocheron has created something that mixes 1950s flying saucers, into a surreal entity you might find in the ocean’s darkest depths. It’s original, stunning to behold, and terrifying simultaneously. Even though the characters won’t look directly at it, you’ll be hard-pressed to take your eyes off it.
Though I can see the audience for Nope being more divided due to the apparent social commentary we’ve come to expect from Jordan Peele. I think, taken on the surface, he’s crafted an enjoyable and entertaining sci-fi adventure. With influences most notably from Spielberg and Hitchcock, he’s taken a trope we love and gave it his voice. I look forward to future viewings as I feel this film will have more to unveil if we look a little closer. 4/5
Jordan Peele’s Nope is now in theaters everywhere. Check out the trailer below and be sure to follow ScaryNerd for all things horror, sci-fi, fantasy and everything in between.
About Post Author
K.B. O’Neil is an artist, writer and musician living in Cincinnati, Ohio. He loves movies, books, video games, snuggling his two pups and all things Horror. When not working he can be found getting into adventures with his wife and their new daughter.