Nope

Nope is a special film. A film that makes two hours feel like two minutes by delivering an experience of pure unadulterated moviemaking. It never compromises performance for action or a meaningful narrative for the perfect shot. It is in my eyes close to a perfect film. Above all, Nope is a balancing act. It approaches the narrative with a genre-bending effort, mixing western iconography with a Spielbergian alien-invasion-thriller, adding elements of horror to seal the deal. It’s an ambitious effort from Jordan Peele, and one that could’ve quickly turned to an overreliance on style. But in spite of its hunt for grandeur and spectacle, the film handles its emotional core with prowess – another part of the balancing act. The main aspect of the film’s emotional resonance stems from its performances. Though Nope never relies on cheap exposition, one quickly gets an idea of the characters’ motivations and their limitations. This is solidified through the chemistry of the characters, especially seen through Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer’s sibling relationship. While there’s a clear contrast in their upbringing and through it a fundamental difference in their view of their father and their business, there’s still a deep love and understanding of one another. The subtle development of their relationship throughout the film makes for a compelling narrative and a profoundly satisfying ending. I was nervous about how Nope would hold up on a rewatch seeing as how big an impact it had on me when I first saw it. But happily, it didn’t disappoint.