“NOPE” (Not Of Planet Earth) arguably left ticket holders entering and exiting the cinema with very different emotions. Many were expecting a movie with an obvious theme and direction to Get Out and Us. As the two movies shaped for them what was the “Jordan Peele experience”. The specific approach taken to “Nope” and even the storyline left many unsatisfied but it was simply that they didn’t expect it.
Nopes fluidity meant that at some points it didn’t fit into just one or two genres. Is it Horror? Sci-Fi? Action? Drama? Comedy? Are we looking at Cowboys Vs Aliens in 2022? Was this Peele stepping out of his usual territory? He described Nope as “a movie that transcends the horror genre in a way."
JORDAN PEELE
Since 2017 Jordan Peele became more than just a “comedian” in the world of Hollywood. Peele became known for his portrayal of social issues and challenging stereotypes in his work. Nope is the third feature film by Jordan Peele following the release of “Get Out” and “Us”. Movies which have since allowed Peele’s name to carry the weight of the world. Get out explored the deep rooted racism in America and modern day slavery. Where as Us looked at socio-economic difference amongst people, how privileged the upstairs were with access to all their needs. In comparison to the below people who had to struggle, couldn’t even speak and were far worse off.
Since the release of Get Out Peele has had the privilege of selling out theatres and reaching number one on the box office with little to no marketing. The same energy was used when promoting the release of “NOPE”. The public were given a poster and trailer which gave away practically nothing. Smart.
STORYLINE
The comedy-horror follows Emerald ( Keke Palmer) and OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) as a brother-sister duo carrying on the family business after their father’s sudden death. It becomes apparent to them that something is off at their ranch, in an attempt to capture the mystery on camera they meet Angel (Brandon Perea). Angel automatically becomes invested, fascinated he spends his time installing cameras and even offering shelter to the two. The three are being preyed upon by what was originally believed to be a spaceship hiding behind a cloud instead it is much more horrifying. A territorial entity lurking over what it believes to be its grounds. We meet cowboy Jupe (Steven Yuen) who attempts to profit from something he cannot control and see the connection to his own past. Last but not least filmmaker Antlers Host who was known for capturing the impossible joined them on their journey.
SPECTACLE
Peele mentioned that a key word for him on set was “spectacle”. In the opening scene we are given the bible scripture Nahum 3:6. For those who aren’t familiar with the bible it reads as “And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a spectacle”. He ambushed us with with scripture, preparing us for the numerous performances ahead and the consequences.
THE OPRAH SHOT
From the perfect “Oprah Shot” to an amusement park show based on a terrifying figure in the sky. Everything has somehow become extremely performative, regardless of the character everyone seems to want to draw attention towards themselves for the perfect shot at money and fame.
Despite witnessing a non-human presence with their own eyes the siblings try desperately to capture a picture of it. Aware of its power and the chances of death they are still dedicated to a pay check photo. It’s clear that the picture isn’t to challenge their fathers cause of death instead to add to the existing sci-fi conspiracy theories. They are willing to risk their home, family legacy and lives for fame.
Antler is proof that the hunger for fame can kill. A clearly respected individual in the Hollywood world known as a capturer of the impossible decided he couldn’t miss out on an opportunity to see something greater than anything he’s ever filmed. After obtaining the necessary footage he proceeded to face the entity head on by climbing the hill. Well aware that it would devour him and that he’s thrown away everyone’s efforts Antler looked upon it with glaring eyes.
TAMING THE WILD
Gordy as a character left many stumped. He was introduced as a monkey who had brutally murdered its cast members whilst filming a sitcom after a balloon pops on set. A monkey that had probably filmed 100 episodes before that day. At first glance his behaviour was believed to be a response to the “UFO” being in close proximity as we had already seen it affect animal behaviour and technology.
However, upon further reflection it became clear that Gordy was a metaphor for taming the wild or even the unknown. Attempting to control a wild animal for human entertainment, something as simple as a balloon popping set him into a murderous rage. As humans we feel the need to take control and then eliminate things when they don’t go our way. Which was perfectly executed with the shooting of Gordy after he had snapped out of the tantrum and became aware of his actions. Peele also showed his knowledge of the genre in this with what could be perceived as an E.T like moment between Gordy and Jupe.
Despite being the sole survivor on stage this wasn’t a lesson learned for young Jupe. Instead he grew up to see himself as a good luck charm. A survivor with a room dedicated to a show that should have traumatised him, framing the property of the dead of the in glass boxes. Not to mention again the building of an adventure park, attempting to use an unknown entity as a tourist attraction.
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