Nope! (2022): A show that challenges the gaze

Jordan Peele, known for revolutionizing horror films with social overtones in Get Out (2017) and Us (2019), returns in 2022 with Nope! (Nope), a work that not only expands his mastery of the genre, but also takes it to new territories by mixing science fiction, horror and a scathing critique of the entertainment industry.

With an ambitious and deeply thoughtful approach, the film invites the viewer to question not only what they are watching, but also why they are watching. Through a narrative that plays with audience expectations, Nope! It moves away from the traditional horror film formula and enters more metaphorical and philosophical territory.

The film is not simply a horror thriller, but a reflection on the obsession with fame, spectacle, and media consumerism, all wrapped up in a disturbing atmosphere. As director and writer, Peele isn't afraid to challenge genre conventions, playing with cinematic codes and using the power of suspense and alienation to address deeper themes, such as the exploitation of violence in the media and the price paid for the obsession with image and spectacle. Nope! It's not just a movie; it's a cinematic experience that challenges our relationship with cinema and our perception of reality itself.

Synopsis

The story revolves around the brothers OJ (played by Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald Haywood (Keke Palmer), heirs to a family ranch in California that supplies horses for film productions. After the mysterious death of their father, the siblings begin noticing strange phenomena in the sky: sudden power outages, disturbing noises, and disappearing animals.

Determined to search what they believe could be an alien craft, they hire Angel (Brandon Perea), a technician at an electronics store, and later Antlers Holst (Michael Wincott), a veteran filmmaker who strives at all costs to capture "the impossible shot." His goal: to capture indisputable evidence of the phenomenon in order to become famous.

However, they will soon discover that what lurks in the sky is not simply an unidentified flying object, but a living creature, intelligent and lethal, that feeds on those who dare to observe it. As they try to document it, the characters face the dilemma between survival and fame—a struggle that exposes the cost of looking too hard.

Cast

• Daniel Kaluuya as OJ Haywood: A reserved, introspective man with a deep connection to animals and his father's legacy. His quiet, restrained performance contrasts with his sister's explosive energy.
• Keke Palmer As Emerald Haywood: Outgoing, charismatic, and ambitious, Emerald is the soul of the duo. Palmer delivers a vibrant and humorous performance, balancing the film's tension.
• Steven Yeun as Ricky “Jupe” Park: A former child actor who now runs a theme park called “Jupiter's Claim.” His personal story, marked by a tragic incident with a chimpanzee on a television set, is intertwined with the film's central theme.
• Brandon Perea as Angel Torres: The curious and nerdy technician at the electronics store. His role brings a fresh and humorous quality without becoming cartoonish.
• Michael Wincott As Antlers Holst: An enigmatic cinematographer obsessed with capturing the unattainable. His deep voice and mysterious demeanor make him one of the most intriguing characters.

Reviews

Nope! was received with praised for its originality, direction, and thematic ambition. Critics praised Peele's avoidance of genre clichés, opting for a narrative that grows in tension without the need for constant shocksThe film moves away from the most explicit and gore horror, opting for psychological and existential terror.

Critics also highlighted Peele's ability to blend genres: Nope! It's not just a UFO movie, but also a critique of the entertainment industry, a reflection on animal exploitation, and a tribute to cinema itself. Comparisons to Steven Spielberg—especially Jaws (1975) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)—were inevitable, and many considered Nope! like the “Close Encounters for the Streaming Age”.

However, some viewers criticized the film's slow pace and unconventional narrative, calling it "confusing" or "pretentious." For others, however, this very ambiguity is what makes the film worthy of analysis and reflection.

Public reception

Overall, the audience was divided but intriguedMany appreciated the fresh approach and symbolic depth, while others expected a more conventional horror. On platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a critical approval rating of approximately 83%, while the public gave it a more moderate rating, around 70%.

Word of mouth was mixed, but it cemented itself as one of the films most discussed and analyzed of the year. Forums and social media were filled with theories, explanations of the symbolism, and debates about the meaning of the creature (dubbed "Jean Jacket" by fans).

Technical and visual aspects

One of the great achievements of Nope! is yours photograph, in charge of Hoyte van Hoytema, known for his work with Christopher Nolan (Dunkirk, Tenet, Interstellar). For the first time in history, IMAX cameras were used to record real night shots, without the need for digital effects to simulate darkness. This gives the film a immersive atmosphere and unprecedented realism in horror cinema.

Sound design is another key aspect. The creature's roar, the tense silences, the noises from the ranch—everything is designed to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. The creature itself—a giant jellyfish-like entity—was created using subtle and elegant special effects, avoiding over-the-top CGI and prioritizing suggestion over exposition.

The music, composed by Michael Abels, combines haunting strings, moments of absolute silence, and homages to classic science fiction cinema. Each scene is carefully crafted to elicit a specific emotional reaction, whether it be unease, wonder, or sheer terror.

Conclusion

Nope! It's not a typical horror movie. It's a film that defies expectations, which offers no easy answers, and demands the viewer's active attention. Jordan Peele establishes himself as one of the most innovative filmmakers of his generation, capable of reinventing classic genres and giving them new life and meaning.

The film speaks to the power of the gaze: the danger of seeing what we shouldn't, of recording instead of helping, of exploiting instead of understanding. The spectacle draws us in, hypnotizes us, but it can also devour us.

For those looking for a different, intelligent and visually impressive film, Nope! It's a must-see. And for those who prefer conventional horror, it might take a while to get into the swing of things... but if you dare to watch, you'll find a unique experience.

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