Writer: Jordan Peele
Director: Jordan Peele
Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Brandon Perea, and Michael Wincott
After the mysterious death of their father, and siblings, OJ and Emerald must work together to save their ranch and family legacy. Far out in the scorching heat of the California desert, the pair find themselves faced with a threat neither could predict. Something keeps interfering with the electricity, spooking the horses, and raining random objects. There’s something out there amongst the clouds and whatever it is, it means business.
Nope stars Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer as OJ and Emerald Haywood, siblings working to keep their family business alive. OJ is a straight-laced hard-working man of few words, who struggles to fill the shoes of his charismatic father. Kaluuya’s often deadpan stare is a perfect fit for the lumbering Ranch owner. Emerald is an effervescent ball of energy a sharp contrast to her brooding brother. Palmer adds her inherent sass and comedic timing to the character offering a spirited high octane counter to Kaluuya’s introverted often stoic OJ. Together the duo plays their parts well but Keke is definitely the standout, her energy and vivacious nature are unmatched and come shining through in every scene. Her intro into the film is already legendary, as director Peele has been gushing about her and her ability to deliver a monologue and make it her own unique masterpiece in every take. She recorded her opening over a dozen times. Watching the trailers, it isn’t clear what her overall role is but make no mistake she’s no damsel in distress, she is the life force behind this film. If Keke provides the spirit Daniel is its heart. Kaluuya gives a brilliant performance as OJ, using body language and expression to convey a multitude of emotions. Though often unexpressed verbally Kaluuya is masterful in expressing OJ’s grief and inner turmoil in his every movement.
NOPE is the third film by acclaimed director Jordan Peele and arguably one of his most secretive projects. Since Peele’s first tweet about it, last summer fans have been eagerly awaiting its release. In the last year, there has been so much speculation on what the plot could possibly be. The trailers offered little to no help in uncovering the truth. At long last just ahead of its release the plot has been recently revealed to include references to old Hollywood lore and extraterrestrials. UFOs were among the top guesses before the long trailer was released. Without spoiling the film we can confirm the claims that the film features some “otherworldly” elements. In fact, the title is an acronym for Not Of Planet Earth. We can also tell you no one will have predicted the full scope of weirdness and unsettling images that await audiences. Admittedly Peele takes his sweet time getting to the point after a nerve-wracking opening sequence in which the father’s freakish demise is depicted. In addition to the main story, there is also the tale of a sitcom under siege by a rampaging murderous chimp. The chimp’s story unfolds as we discover more about the threat hiding amongst the clouds, and concludes just before the big finale. Though its underlining purpose and meaning allude to us at the moment Peele doesn’t do anything without intent. The chimp story is likely a device to distract us and pull attention for just a moment, giving us a break from the intensity of the main story.
Once again Peele has presented us with something vaguely familiar and turned it on its head. The UFO and or Alien concept is nothing new but Peele takes it to new heights with this mysterious airborne threat. Though creepy at times with a handful of jump scares, the film is more science fiction than horror, an homage to the classic alien films of the 50s. Prepare to enjoy the film but not be completely terrified by it. The characters are interesting and enjoyable as is the overall story. This is definitely a film worth seeing twice you will undoubtedly miss a thing or two the first go round. Peele is a master storyteller and had been instrumental in building the well-deserved hype around this movie. To sum it up NOPE is an allegory about the spectacle of life, those key events that draw our attention and distract us from the chaos around us, it is a warning to look away or else get sucked into your doom.