Nope (2022)

From the beginning, the marketing for Jordan Peele's Nope encouraged theories, conjectures, and interpretation. But, in a short time and with only two previous features, the filmmaker created a unique mix of accessible and unpredictable horror with hidden layers of subtext and symbolism. Peele's clever new take on the summer blockbuster weaves a fascinating commentary beneath the surface of its accessible and thrilling facade.

OJ Haywood finds it challenging to maintain his late father's horse ranch. Economic hardship and production problems force him to sell some of his father's horses to his closest neighbor, Ricky 'Jupe' Park, who was once a child sitcom star but now owns a theme park. The addition of OJ's energetic sister Emerald increases his anxiety as he tries to uphold his loyal duty to the family ranch. However, a spooky occurrence starts flying over their valley, motivating the siblings to ask Fry's employee Angel for technical assistance to film it. If left unchecked, the situation could quickly spiral out of control and become very dangerous.

Nope begins with shocking and grim images, seemingly unconnected to the main Haywood story. It's the first hint at Peele's strategy, an attack on the fickle nature and short-term memory of entertainment. Jupe holds onto childhood trauma from a disastrous event; it's still fresh for him. But for everyone else, it's a long-forgotten moment in television history, only faintly remembered through cruel parodies in humor magazines or popular sketch TV shows.

As Emerald points out in an opening speech to an uninterested production crew, "The Galloping Horse" made history as the first motion picture. Still, the horse jockey featured in the short film remains uncredited and unknown. The characters in Nope are so dedicated to their art that they're willing to ruin their lives financially and physically, even though the world has forgotten about them. It's a critique of both the system and how we consume media. We consume media quickly and without thinking, then move on to the next thing. This leaves us forgetting what we have just finished.

The subtext doesn't always connect well to the surface-level summer blockbuster. Intercut flashbacks that are supposed to offer clues and drive the plot forward can sometimes feel lacking in meaning and purpose. There's a lot of important history that feels crucial to current events. Unfortunately, some of it gets rushed through as needed.

Though it may be a summer spectacle, Peele's film is not one to be taken lightly. The title points to the film's theme, and OJ and Keke are subjected to some truly terrifying moments. Though it may be humorous at times, the effect is genuinely chilling. The director also finds exciting ways to change the routine, ensuring that even when you think you understand what's going on, you don't. Not entirely, anyway. This results in some unexpectedly gory scenes and shocking images.

The top-notch cast helps to give life to the over-the-top quality of the film and its genre-defying moments of suspense. Perea's natural comedic timing provides some much-needed levity, and Michael Wincott does not disappoint in his long-awaited return with the expected level of gravity. Kaluuya and Palmer play siblings with a deep history in this movie. Their bickering and clashing personalities provide an emotional throughline that grounds the fantastical elements.

Nope is a science fiction horror movie that is both funny and scary. It is easy to understand and follow but still manages to shock and surprise its viewers. Peele's film is a dark examination of the media and those it has used and left behind. He effectively captures the scope and spectacle of a summer blockbuster, packing it with moments that will make you shiver, gasp-worthy thrills, and endearing characters. He continues his streak of layering, scathing critiques within a mystery that keeps you guessing.