In Nope, Emerald (Keke Palmer) and OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) Haywood are horse trainers for Hollywood films. They own a ranch near an old west theme park (named Jupiter's Claim) owned and operated by Ricky "Jupe' Park and clan. The Haywood family has been in the horse training business for a long time and their lineage is lesser-known Hollywood royalty. After the Haywood patriarch “Pops” (Keith David) dies from a tragic accident, the Haywood business falls on hard times. Lucky for them (or maybe not) the star of Jupe's newest park attraction might provide a way for them to get back on top...provided they’re ok with some pretty severe collateral human loss.
Nope is Jordan Peele's latest horror-influenced outing. This time his brilliant mind sets its sights on spectacle, the art of it, and the effects it has on those involved. Daniel Kaluuya plays OJ (short for Otis Jr), the man left in charge of the Haywood ranch and family business after Pops passes. He is more of a quiet, reserved, and serious "dude" who is intensely focused on and devoted to his work. Kaluuya puts on a beautifully nuanced, effective, affective, powerful performance as a son who is desperately doing his best to ensure his family and it’s legacy isn’t forgotten, and failing.
Keke Palmer is absolutely magnetic, charming, and funny as OJ's sister Emerald. Emerald makes for a fantastic contrast/opposite to OJ as she is all about "the sparkle" or "the pizazz". She is the person who feels right at home in front of the camera, while OJ is more comfortable quietly working behind the scenes. Emerald dreams of fame, and her quest for it might land the Haywoods in some pretty dire straights. Palmer is a ton of fun, and she effortlessly draws audience’s attentions whenever she is on screen.
Steven Yuen is fantastic as Ricky "Jupe" Park, the former child star and showboat-y owner of Jupiter's Claim. “Jupe” is sprinkled throughout the first two acts of Nope, but is integral to the themes and story of the flick. Behind Jupe's friendly, smiley façade lies some serious trauma, which stems from a bloody and horrific event from his days as a young actor. His character is a tragic one, as he has gone on to capitalize on the "spectacle" from his youth and perpetuates the cycle he once found himself caught in so many years ago. Yeun has been a real rising star for some years now, and his layered performance in Nope cements him as someone to keep an eye on.
Brandon Perea is incredibly likable as the down-on-his-luck and consistently disrespected Angel, a lowly tech service agent for (the now defunct) Fry's Electronics. The Haywoods call on him to assist in configuring cameras around their ranch, which they hope will capture footage of something big and horrifying in the sky. Much to their frustration, Angel is hard to get rid of once they enlist his aide. Perea is called in for some extra comic relief, and to represent more of a blue-collar layman's perspective. He essentially acts as third lead, and is a very memorable and funny addition to the film.
Along for the ride is Michael Wincott as Hollywood cinematographer Antlers Holst. The Haywoods call on him for extra help in capturing the footage they desire, and he is the first to warn them of the dangers of their quest. Wincott plays crusty and wise exceedingly well, and though he is only really in the third act, he manages to leave quite an impression.
With Nope, Peele has crafted a spectacle that is commenting on spectacle. There are themes about attention, popularity, "looking away", the careless exploitation of wild animals for profit, and the fool-hardy idea that wild animals can be trusted or tamed. Peele uses constant eye imagery and motifs to inform his commentary on spectacle as well.
Those lining up expecting a bloody and gory film are likely to be disappointed. There isn't much blood or gore in Nope, and when it's there, it's sparingly used (the most blood you'll get is during a horrifying sequence involving the Haywood house). Nope also tends to "look away" from some of it's grislier set pieces. This is appropriate since (as previously stated) a core theme is about "looking away" from spectacle. Luckily, what we do get to see tends to be incredibly disturbing/ horrifying and will likely stick with most well after the end credits have rolled.
Nope is a good deal horrifying throughout. Whatever is in the sky is appropriately intimidating, aggressive, and expansive. The many scenes it's featured in, and the way it’s shot and handled might leave some legs trembling. Aiding in the horror department is the phenomenal and affecting sound design by Johnnie Burn and a strong score by Michael Abels. What you hear throughout the film (especially when whatever is in the sky makes itself known) is horrific and nightmare-inducing.
Nope also looks consistently pretty, thanks to cinematography by Hoyte Van Hoytema. Most of the film has a distinct barren, desolate, "western" feel. However, the few times we get to visit Jupiter's Claim things brighten up with some lively colors and a fantastic set design (by Ruth De Jong). Expect a memorable mixture of color palettes throughout Nope, both muted and bright.
Now, onto some negatives: Nope runs at around two hours, and it definitely feels like a two hour film. The first forty minutes or so are a little slower, as this is where characters and their relationships to each other are established. Not everyone is likely to appreciate a two hour movie, and the flick as whole does have some down-time every now and then. Luckily, Nope more than earns it's length.
The proceedings are divided into four or so "chapters", and this is the only aspect of the film that might not have been needed. While what occurs in each "chapter" fits based upon what they’re titled, structuring the film this way comes across as a little clunky, confusing, and odd.
Nope sees Peele in full Spielberg mode (Think Jaws and Jurassic Park). This is without a doubt his Jaws. With Nope, Peele has crafted a smart, thoughtful spectacle that has a lot to say. Not sure how much general audiences are going to dig it. It’s long, intelligent, and likely isn’t what most are expecting it to be. It’s certainly a challenging film, one that aims to make audiences consider the part they play in partaking in spectacle.
Nope defies definition and labels. It includes horror, sci-fi (if this is an “Alien” movie it’s unlike any you’ve seen), adventure, and western elements. In the end, Nope firmly establishes Jordan Peele as one of the great directors of our time. It’s a wild, unpredictable ride (and seeing it on the largest screen you can find is a must!)! Be prepared to never look at clouds or the sky in the same way again.
4.5 STARS
