2022’s Newest Sci-Fi Horror Film: Nope

“This spectacle, it’s gonna change you.” – Steven Yeun

Director Jordan Peele’s recent film, Nope, embodies the ominous and speculative feelings every horror movie should have. Since the movie came out, the Internet has been buzzing with questions and theories, as well as critiques, about Peele’s work. Starting from the posters to the final trailer released on June 9th, the teasers leave viewers with the question, “What is this movie really about?” Many elements are featured throughout the story to keep movie-goers anticipating something new, but was the runtime worth it?

Filmed in Agua Dulce, California, the genre of Nope could be categorized as a western movie due to the setting. Would it then be considered a western horror film? Perhaps a western sci-fi or a combination of al three? The latter would suit it best as we are shown scenes in the desert attraction “Star Lasso Experience”, western themes in nature, balanced by themes of UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomenons. 

Nope is split into five sections, similar to the film Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, and each section pieces the movie together like a puzzle, keeping viewers invested. Receiving answers to a more sinister story as it progresses, each plot point is tailored to have an “on the edge of your seat” effect. This, as well as the music production, plays a key role in developing what is actually unfolding in Agua Dulce. 

Actors Keke Palmer, Daniel Kaluuya, Brandon Perea, and Steven Yeun are cast as an amazing range of characters. From an anxious clerk at an electronic store to a child-TV-star-turned-theme-park-creator of “Jupiter’s Claim”, the variety of personalities creates a slew of backstories to invest in.

After the film released, viewers still had burning questions and theories. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair from July 15th, the cast reacts to theories from the fans. Keke Palmer remarks, in regards to Peele’s work, “That’s what he does though, he puts something out there and then everyone can just respond. It’s art.” We need movies like this in the horror genre: movies that leave you wanting more.

With the speculations about the true meanings behind the film, comes criticism. Personally, I didn’t have many, but others had more to say. Some reviews said the ending was lackluster, while others wrote about how they were unable to connect to the characters, some still thought the film was downright bad. Despite this, I think the characters were very well portrayed. There was a wide variety of themes and well put-together horror aspects. In my opinion, I will continue speaking highly of this movie, and it was absolutely worth the runtime.