“Nope” a 2022 movie created, directed, written, and co-produced by Jordan Peele, released July 22. This film caught the world’s attention by flash, starring actors such as Keke Palmer, Daniel Kaluuya, and Steven Yeun, who all give spectacular performances as their respective characters. Keke Palmer as Emerald Haywood, Daniel Kaluuya as OJ (Otis Jr.) Haywood, and Steven Yeun as Ricky “Jupe” Park.
Filmed in the Agua Desert of California, “Nope” primarily occurs in northern Los Angeles. The story follows two siblings, Emerald and OJ after their father, Otis Haywood, is killed by a falling coin. With the father’s death, they feel the need to prove and maintain his legacy within the movie industry as horse trainers. However, without their father to aid them, financial problems occur for the Haywood Ranch, leading Emerald and OJ to attempt to save it by trying to capture footage of a suspected UFO that they believe holds a connection to their father’s death. However, due to financial problems, in order to maintain their ranch and do so by planning to capture the mysterious UFO in the sky that they believe holds responsibility for their father’s untimely death.
Undoubtedly this movie presents a unique twist that surprises the audience in unpredictable yet cohesive ways, giving out an experience that immerses us into the world and plot of the film. It does this via a mixing of genres like sci-fi and horror, creating a movie of mixed genres that commentates on human nature to be attracted to things that are out of the ordinary, things that are a spectacle. It also shines a light on the exploitation of animals within the entertainment industry, referencing the real-life case of Travis the Chimpanzee with his fictional character Gordy.
The movie makes more connections in its action-packed scenes such as references to the “Akira Slide”, or “Kaneda Slide ” from the iconic 1988 anime sci-fi movie “Akira”. Other references include pop culture, modern, and western, such as the historical Horse in Motion film, a three-second clip of an African-American jockey on a horse created by Eadweard Muybridge which was a major first step in the creation of motion pictures. Alongside these references, “Nope” includes allusions to classing horror and western films, done via the dramatic soundtrack composed by Micheal Abels. The music successfully adds suspense, further creating a deeper immersion as each note anticipates and plays alongside the actions portrayed on screen.
Overall, I believe “Nope” is a thrilling film that created a spectacle. The movie excels in character development, tone, and theme while using the tropes of several genres to create something new and different. “Nope” deserves the praise it receives as a film that captivates and sends its audience on an adventure for the ages.
