"Nope" Spoiler Analysis

“Nope" is a very complex and layered Sci-fi horror comedy. It’s perhaps my favorite of Jordan Peele’s work so far. From a surface viewing perspective, some people may feel underwhelmed by what they see on screen, but much like Peele’s other works like "Get Out", it takes multiple viewings and analysis to understand what he is really trying to convey.

During the opening scene, we are introduced to a chimp named Gordy, who ends up killing multiple members of the sitcom he's on titled “Gordy’s Home." The studio attempted to bury the event, but viewers “couldn’t get enough of it.” When conversing with people about this part there seemed to be a lack of understanding in how this concept relates to the greater themes. In my eyes, Gordy represents America’s desire to consume spectacle and entertainment even when it's sadistic and how we commercialize and exploit animals to accomplish this. The "Gordy’s Home" disaster neatly ties into the theme of the American dream and wanting to capture a UFO on camera.

Originally, Peele wanted the title to be “Little Green Men.” This title had dual meaning and referred to both aliens and the founding fathers on money. This continues to show the link between money and entertainment.

Perhaps the most impressive part of "Nope" is the design of the UFO itself. Once the UFO unfolds, it appears to be a somewhat cloth-like creature. It’s revealed that the UFO is a living entity that consumes the people who look at it. This shows that if we consume too much entertainment, it will consume us.

This creature also has an excruciating resemblance to that of biblically accurate angels. This is important because in the Bible, it is mentioned that Lot’s wife was warned not to look back by the angels, and when she did she turned into a pillar of salt. This can be interpreted as many things, but I believe it's Peele’s way of showing that we have been warned countless times about the effects of entertainment such as social media and that we still continue to be consumed by it.

Nope’s ending appears to have suffered with audiences due to the exact message it is trying to warn us of. I believe within the context of what Peele is trying to show, it works very well. Emerald Haywood (played by actress Keke Palmer) leaving the photographs they have gone through hell to capture is one of the most important endings I have seen this year.

The only real issue with "Nope" is that it almost entirely fails to bridge the gap between arthouse and blockbuster. There's still a lot that I do not understand that will require the individual's interpretation of. Overall, I liked it and will be looking forward to watching it again.

Overall Movie Score: 8.4/10