NAH NAH NAH:
“NOPE” is the word in Jordan Peeles reimagined take on Americas best kept secret: UFOs.
This much anticipated story follows the venture of two born and bred Hollywood horse trainers, who, after their fathers unexplained death, strive to capture the "impossible" shot, evidencing extraterrestrial life.
Captured in the cinematic awe - Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer (brother and sister, OJ and Emerald) lead the show. With a character dulled in sadness, Kaluuya (Judas and the Black Messiah) wasn’t given much chance to express his acting talents. The stories bold visuals and outspokenly real humour, seem to lead an overthought script to a settled ending.
If you’re seeking quick thrills, disturbing imagery and a few hearty laughs, this film should be high on your list.
With Peeles films you know you’re in safe hands for a journey of psychedelically inspired, jaw dropping narratives, strung together with humour infused horror, that leaves you both petrified and choking a laugh.
Told over the course of 6 chapters, this sci-fi / horror flick uses 5 impeccably rounded characters to touch upon an un-obvious theme, mans relationship with the nonhuman. Opening on the blood soaked scene of a live sitcom and a flesh gorged ape, we are immediately absorbed by Peeles first tool of engagement: foreshadowing.
Like all good story tellers, Peele allows his films to unfold, laying off exposition; giving the audience a good amount of time to form a care and fondness for the characters. A steady rise in tension allows us to appreciate the films thematic values and Peeles neatly constructed style.
The apes bold opening is touched upon again in a memory of Steven Yeuns character, however I failed to link its relevance to ‘Nope’. This heavily frequented sub narrative, was a story in its own right. Possibly the symbiotic relationship of man and ape, was a complex metaphor for our relationship with the unknown?
Nonetheless, this beautifully themed, well composed, visual extravaganza, left me feeling cold on reflection of story. The hype and build of the ’Nope’ release urged me to expect more. We did not witness the fresh air brought to the industry with ‘Get Out’. However, Peele did allow us to reenvision the mystic of UFOs.
To conclude, this film gave us so much of what we love about Jordan Peele, however an over-crammed story lead to much of the beauty being overlooked, or not captured at all. Many narrative paths were built but not explained. This loss was compensated for with well rounded characters, fun dialogue and visual immensities but (and I’m sad to say) I felt this film was lacking.
A must see, nonetheless and definitely on the big screen.
⭐️: 3/5
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