While it’s typical to wonder what you’re in for with a Jordan Peele horror, NOPE is a more traditional experience from the horror-mystery director. Yet, it somehow still makes for the puzzling watch leading to open-ended discussion that the comedian-turned-filmmaker has become known for.
This sci-fi monster romp identifies the threat early on, without wasting much time marveling at it or working to explain it. The problem, though mysterious, is apparent and the characters quickly leap into solution mode, making for an adventure thrill ride without much in the way of a grand revelation or thematic reveal at its nonplussing end. Spielberg fans, think Jaws meets Super 8.
Peele’s more straightforward sci-fi creature feature finds Keke Palmer giving a standout performance as Emerald Haywood, an aspiring Hollywood actress, singer, model, producer, motorcyclist, craft services chef, you name it whose overwhelmingly outgoing nature makes her a bit of a professional liability. Reluctantly on-hand to help her introverted brother Otis “O.J.” Jr. [Daniel Kaluuya] take over the family show horse-training business after their father [Keith David] passes from a freak accident (or was it?) on the family ranch, Emerald hatches a plan to prove the unbelievable when an otherworldly threat begins stalking the area.
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