Director: Jordan Peele
Distributor: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Duration: 130 minutes
Nope (Blu-ray) – Movie Review
Last time we saw the name Jordan Peele was when we reviewed Candyman, which was written by the veteran horror director. Even though the movie was not directed by Peele, we had high hopes for the return of the classic horror movie icon. Sadly, the film turned out to be a politically loaded mess, and we were utterly disappointed that a classic received such poor treatment. Now, with Jordan Peele himself at the helm of his latest project, Nope, we were cautiously enthusiastic again. As a whole, this movie proved to be highly entertaining.
When it comes to the overall story of Nope, it’s actually quite simple. We are introduced to OJ Haywood (Daniel Kaluuya), who manages a ranch together with his father Otis Haywood Sr. (Keith David). Sadly, due to a freak accident where random objects started falling from the sky Otis dies, and now the farm is left in the hands of OJ and his somewhat immature sister Emerald (Keke Palmer). OJ is struggling with money, so he has to find ways to earn some extra cash. However, his main concern now is that there are strange things happening on and around the ranch. After following one of the horses during the night, OJ is convinced he saw a UFO, and he wants to document this. Emerald also sees this as an opportunity, and they both decide to install cameras to see what happens. Filming an extraterrestrial encounter might just be the solution to his money problems.
Nope is a fairly slow movie. This isn’t a bad thing, as the film takes its time to build up the story, as well as set the atmosphere. You’ll have to get used to the overall flow and pacing of the film, and the beginning may come off as a bit too weird at times, as things constantly feel ‘off’. After a few moments, you get used to the overall setting, and the eerie vibe starts growing on you. While it’s clear from the start that you’re dealing with an alien lifeform, the movie does have a lot of twists and turns that eventually flow into a satisfying conclusion.
For the most part, the acting performances in Nope are of top-notch quality. Every single character in the film feels a little bit off, and this also adds to the movie’s overall atmosphere. The biggest star here is undeniably Daniel Kaluuya, who plays OJ. He brings his character to life in a way that you never truly know what he’s thinking, which feels a bit strange at first, but it does grow on you. Keke Palmer plays his sister, Emerald, and we have to be honest that we truly hated her character for most of the movie. We feel as if she is a walking stereotype, and her overall character development feels weak at best. She does become a bit more likable towards the end, but even so, we feel as if her character could have been more than it currently is. Supporting cast members also do a formidable job bringing their respective characters to life.
The Blu-ray version of Nope comes with quite a few extras. On top of fairly standard features such as deleted scenes and a gag reel, you’ll be treated to a very in-depth behind-the-scenes experience that shows you how Nope was created. You’re truly getting your bang for your buck here, and the additional content is very interesting. We thoroughly enjoyed watching the special features after the credits of the movie started rolling, as the film itself does have a certain charm that makes you want to delve into the creative process behind it.
Conclusion
Nope is a fresh breath of air in the horror movie landscape, albeit not in the traditional sense. The movie doesn’t contain any jumpscares, but the overall atmosphere does make you feel quite uncomfortable, and the storytelling is superbly handled. Don’t dive into this movie expecting a flashy and fast-paced slasher experience, but instead try to enjoy the slow burn and the eerie finale. If you’re looking for something that takes its time to tell a creepy story, then this one’s certainly for you.
Nope (Blu-ray) - Movie Review,
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[…] has only been a few days since we featured Nope, Jordan Peele’s latest horror creation. We found the atmospheric film very enjoyable to […]