Brandon’s Movie Review for
Nope
In theaters now
Jordan Peele graces us with yet another theatrical masterpiece with his latest film, Nope, in theaters now. While Jordan Peele’s work is filled with dense storytelling and symbolism, “Nope” might be his most straightforward popcorn film, filled with sci-fi mystery, thrills and hints of horror. Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer star side by side as brother and sister and heirs to Heywood Hollywood Horses, a history horse handling company for movies, commercials, TV, etc. OJ (Kaluuya) and Em (Palmer) take over the family business after their father Otis (Keith David) dies mysteriously after shrapnel in the form of coins, keys and other various pieces of metal rain from the sky in the beginning of the film. Heywood Hollywood Horses is located outside of Los Angeles, nestled in the hills, neighboring an amusement park that is run by Ricky “Jupe” Park (Steven Yeun) who was once a child sitcom star. Now struggling to run a western style amusement park in the middle of nowhere, Jupe also has a history with a chimp named “Gordy” who ruthlessly mauled his co-stars during filming in front of a live studio audience. Jupe narrowly escaped the rampage by the chimpanzee, which became a spectacle and also lends a parallel to the plot, highlighting two major themes of the film: 1) you can’t tame a predator and 2) Mankind will risk everything for spectacle.
After OJ and Em take over the ranch, they realize that there is a UFO in their region and start to realize that it may be connected to the death of their father after some of the horses start to disappear. Struggling to keep the ranch running after Otis’ death, the siblings decide to try to capture this UFO on film to hopefully get the “Oprah” shot and reap the rewards of capturing the impossible on camera. I hesitate to give any more of the premise away as it really is best to experience each twist and turn as they happen. I will admit that I was completely enthralled with the performances, the music, the special effects, and even the sounds that this mysterious UFO makes. When I left the theater, I found myself a bit jumpy when I heard cryptic clicks or humming of the hustle and bustle of the city around me. Wondering if it was a UFO looming overhead.
“Nope” is a masterpiece of filmmaking and I cannot wait to see it again. It is the perfect combination of classic sci-fi thriller with a modern twist. There is no doubt that this story has inspiration from The Twilight Zone and spaghetti westerns. Yep! I loved “Nope” – Two thumbs way up.
