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Jordan Peele, known for revolutionizing horror cinema 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 takes him into new territories by mixing science fiction, horror and a scathing criticism of the entertainment industry.
With an ambitious and deeply reflective approach, the film invites the viewer to question not only what they are seeing, but also why they are looking. Through a narrative that plays with the public's expectations, Nope! it moves away from the traditional formula of horror cinema and enters a more metaphorical and philosophical territory.
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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. Peele, as a director and writer, is not afraid to challenge the conventions of the genre, playing with the codes of cinema 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 obsession with image and spectacle. Nope! it's not just a movie; It is 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 brothers begin to notice strange phenomena in the sky: sudden power outages, disturbing noises and the disappearance of animals.
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Determined to search what they believe could be an alien ship, they hire Angel (Brandon Perea), an electronics store technician, and later a Antlers Holst (Michael Wincott), a veteran filmmaker who seeks at all costs to capture ílla takes impossible steps. Their goal: to record indisputable evidence of the phenomenon 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, which feeds on those who dare to observe it. As they attempt to document it, the characters face the dilemma between surviving and gaining fame (Fight Racket that exposes the price of looking too much.
Cast
- Daniel Kaluuya like OJ Haywood: A reserved, introspective man with a deep connection to animals and his father's legacy. His silent and contained performance contrasts with his sister's explosive energy.
- Keke Palmer like Emerald Haywood: Extroverted, charismatic and ambitious, Emerald is the soul of the duo. Palmer delivers a vibrant, humorous performance, balancing the tension of the film.
- Steven Yeun like 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 like Angel Torres: The curious and nerdy technician of the electronics store. His role provides freshness and comedy without falling into the cartoonish.
- Michael Wincott like Antlers Holst: An enigmatic cinematographer obsessed with capturing the unattainable. His deep voice and mysterious behavior make him one of the most intriguing characters.
Criticisms
Nope! she was received with praise for its originality, direction and thematic ambition. Critics praised the way Peele avoids the clichés of the genre, opting for a narrative that it grows in tension without the need for constant shocks. The film moves away from the most explicit and gore horror, betting on it psychological and existential terror.
Critics also highlighted Peele's ability to mix genres: Nope! it is not only a UFO film, but also a criticism of the entertainment industry, a reflection on the exploitation of animals, and a tribute to cinema itself. Comparisons with Steven Spielberg 'Pocketsespecially Jaws (1975) and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) Bits were inevitable, and many considered Nope! like him ÚNSclose encounters for the era of streaming.
However, some viewers criticized the film's slow pace and its unconventional narrative, considering it a confusing or disrespectful object. For others, however, that same ambiguity is what makes the film worthy of analysis and reflection.
Public reception
In general, the audience remained divided but intrigued. Many appreciated the freshness of the approach and symbolic depth, while others expected a more conventional horror. On platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, the film earned 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 established itself as one of the films more discussed and analyzed of the year. Forums and social networks were filled with theories, explanations of symbolism and debates about the meaning of the creature (named by fans as “Jean Jacket”).
Technical and visual aspects
One of the great achievements of Nope! it's his photography, 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 realist in horror cinema.
Sound design is another fundamental aspect. The roar of the creature, the tense silences, the noises of the ranch... everything is designed to keep the viewer on the edge of the seat. The Creature Itself 'Pack, Giant Jellyfish-Like Entity's Rack was created using subtle and elegant special effects, avoiding exaggerated CGI and prioritizing suggestion over exposure.
The music, composed by Michael Abels, combines haunting strings, moments of absolute silence, and tributes to classic science fiction cinema. Each scene is carefully designed to generate a specific emotional reaction, whether restlessness, amazement or pure terror.
Conclusion
Nope! it's not a typical horror movie. It is a film that defies expectations, which does not offer easy answers, and which requires the active attention of the viewer. Jordan Peele consolidates 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 talks about the power of the gaze: the danger of seeing what we should not, of recording instead of helping, of exploding instead of understanding. The show attracts us, hypnotizes us, but it can also devour us.
For those looking for a different, intelligent and visually impressive film Nope! it is an unmissable proposal. And for those who prefer conventional horror, it may be difficult for them to get into its rhythm... but if you dare to look, you will find a unique experience.
