Nope

Nope is the neo – western science fiction horror film by Jordan Peele which expands on the culture of aliens in the wild, wild west. Peele and Kaluuya team up again! Is it a yes or a… (insert movie title here)?

We meet the Haywood family, siblings OJ and Emerald who are in the ranching business. They train and handle horses for film productions and one day they lose the gig due to one of the horses reacting violently on set due to seeing their reflection. One night at the Haywood ranch, the siblings find their electricity fluctuating and their horses violently reacting to an unknown presence. Animals and humans start to go missing, so in comes the make shift Mystery Machine to investigate the phenomenon. It’s an interesting concept which I feel is fitting for Jordans brand, it works.

It’s a very small cast but they all do play their parts. Daniel Kaluuya is the cult hero lead here. He plays OJ Haywood. He’s somewhat of an explorer, always looking for answers and heading into the direction of potential danger. It did feel like he has minimal lines but he played his role well. Keke Palmer is Eme and she is the energy of the film. Enthusiastic and active, providing the perfect balance to Daniels lethargic character. Steve Yeun is the rival ranch leader Ricky Park. He was a minimal character that didn’t add much value to the film. It was actually his traumatic past that gives any meaning to his character. Brandon Perea plays Angel, a surveillance appliance store clerk who gets mangled into the drama. Another source of energy with minimal value to the film. It’s a very dull gathering where characters have their moments.

The film was shot in Agua Dulce desert in LA County. With a big budget the cinematography was really good.

They had these night time shots that were so pleasant to watch with some really good lighting.

Almost like natural lighting directly from the moon but I know it was just some really good camera work, it worked. Something that stood out for me were the costumes of the characters. I don’t think it’s clear what year this film is taking place but the outfits are reminiscent of the 90s giving a Goonies type feeling. Kaluuya sporting a Scorpion King bright orange hoodie and Keke in a more tom boyish fit I liked the way it went against the typical cowboy boots and hats visuals we are so used to seeing in these types of flicks. The visual effects were brilliant and top notch. The creative decision to have the entity appear as flying saucer then its big reveal was a nice gradual build up.

I liked that the film went straight into the drama/action. It didn’t waste much time. I loved the chemistry between Daniel and Keke. I liked that they were siblings and not the couple the marketing material made it seem like. The pacing was an issue for me. The beginning and end felt very fast whilst the middle seem to be so tedious and long. I don’t know if it can be classed as a horror as it there aren’t any jump scares or anything along those lines. Its more mystery than anything. A lot of the time it felt like I was watching the wrong movie. I enjoyed the under lying messages around people being unable to look away from drama or peril and how in most cases it does cost us. It was integrated really well. You had another where Yuen’s childhood trauma made him feel connected to Jean Jacket which happens a lot in everyday life where a lot of couples or friendships are formed solely via trauma bonding, just like the movie it never ends well.

Nope is no Get Out or Us. The writing levels are very far apart. They are different pedigree of mind fuck whilst this one kind of takes it easy and doesn’t do much to provide a wow factor. This film could have been made a lot shorter and added as a Twilight Zone episode in my opinion. Despite the decent performances you still won’t care much for the characters.

What did you think of the film? Who was your favourite character? Did you figure out Jean Jacket from early on? Did you know this was the first horror film to be filmed in IMAX?