Chasing Fame: Reviewing Jordan Peele's 'Nope'

Steven Yeun in 'Nope'

The third film to be released by acclaimed Horror writer/director Jordan Peele, Nope is a thrilling insight into human behavior with a pertinent commentary on how that behavior has adapted to the viral age. With stunning performances from Oscar award-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya, as well as Keke Palmer and Brandon Perea, Nope surpasses prior film Us and gives Get Out a run for its money.

Much has been discussed about the “meaning” of Nope. Is it a commentary? Is it a generic thriller? Does it have some sort of deep societal message that we should be taking away? The short answer is yes and no. While there are many lenses to view the film through, it lacks the kind of cohesion that both of Peele’s previous works had. In some ways, this is an advantage. In others, however, it makes the film come across as muddled and unfocused, especially towards the end.

One of the main takeaways from this film though, without a doubt is its commentary on the human desire for attention, fame, and fortune. Nope is set in Agua Dulce, California about an hour outside of Los Angeles. Otis Haywood Jr. and his sister Emerald, the children of Otis Haywood Sr., run the only Black-owned horse training company in Hollywood. After their father’s untimely death, a series of events begin unfolding that upend the Haywoods’ lives.

Throughout the film, the Haywoods enlist the help of various individuals to help them document the “bad miracle” that they’ve discovered. Despite increasingly treacherous circumstances and the ever-growing threat of death, OJ and Emerald seek “the shot” that could launch them into fame, and potentially even land them an interview with Oprah Winfrey herself.

As the Haywoods seek to gain acclaim for documenting this discovery, they, along with several other characters, engage in a toxic chase that is mirrored in today’s increasingly digital age. With phenomena like YouTube, Vine, TikTok, and all social media platforms becoming driven by this concept of virality, Peele explores this desire that we as a society find ourselves chasing. Whether it’s participating in an ill-advised challenge that requires you to potentially inhale a tablespoon of cinnamon, eating a tide pod, or just participating in a popular dance trend, our culture has become consumed with pursuing the dream of fame and the allure of the success that comes with.

Peele’s direction throughout Nope is a tour de force. The film is crafted with a steady hand throughout and makes use of clever cinematography that slowly but surely unveils the mystery at the center of the film. What is so impressive about the craftmanship of the film is how the choice of angles, framing, and specific shots draw the audience in and tempt us with the promise of more. The promise of a reveal, of a clearer view of this giant mystery. In this way, the audience joins the Haywoods & Co. on their quest to unveil a magnificent discovery to the world. It is not until the end of the film that one might question whether this chase to witness this miracle in its full glory was truly worth it. This is, again, something that I think makes the film great, but others might think leaves much to be desired. An ending that leaves you feeling unfulfilled, while it may be the point of the film, does not always sit well with everyone.

In a way, this is the point of the film. A subplot of the film follows this concept similarly, albeit in a far more gruesome way. We are left seeing little, yearning for the opportunity to see the scene in full. What is the context? Who are these people? Questions that are partially answered in order to feed our desire to know more. Peele has expertly constructed a film that forces its audience to consume the film in its entirety in the hopes of gaining a grander understanding by the end. Whether it was worth it or not is up to you to decide. In this way, the film may struggle with many viewers who truly did not come away with a grasp of the film.

If Nope struggles critically in a similar fashion to Us, it will be because Peele took a risk in creating a film that intentionally feels incomplete, that leaves some things to be desired. There are others who will argue that intended or not, an incomplete and unsatisfactory experience does not a cerebral or good film make. I can see that argument and I recognize it as a valid one. Though, for me, Nope was an experience that I enjoyed wrapping my brain around and reading more about after watching the film twice.

If you are a fan of Jordan Peele’s other work, I would urge you to go see Nope as soon as you can before the film leaves IMAX theaters. I would also urge anyone who didn’t feel fulfilled by the film the first time around to give it another chance. Some things do take more than one watch to click. I would watch out for this movie over the next few months, as it coud spur awards nominations, particularly for cinematography, acting, and directing.

Rating: 9/10