Writer/Director: Jordan Peele
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Steven Yeun and Keke Palmer
‘A Spectacular Sci-fi Masterpiece’
Not many actors in Hollywood have charisma of Daniel Kaluuya. Ever since his rise to fame during the 2000’s,Kaluuya has proven to be an African-American icon. Whether it’s renowned political leaders, black warriors or gangsters, Kaluuya has played many powerful characters. Arguably, Kaluuya’s greatest strength as a star has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors which has often poured his heart and soul into every role. Kaluuya has never been afraid to take risks in his career by playing complex characters that aren’t always likeable. Through his willingness to take risks in his career, Kaluuya has become an actor that audiences value. Shining a bright light in darkness, Kaluuya has become an icon in the entertainment business. Kaluuya is one of those rare actors that has proven he has an ability to make engaging movies in practically every genre. Throughout his illustrious career, Kaluuya had produced countless unforgettable movies that are definitely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Kaluuya and admire all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Nope” is definitely my favourite. Ever since its release in 2022, Daniels Kaluuya’s movie has become a science fiction classic. Packed with breathtaking visuals, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it’s one of the finest science fiction movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Daniel Kaluuya, who portrays a rancher struggling to protect his farm from aliens which cause a dilemma. Ultimately, what makes “Nope” a sci-fi classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most science fiction films, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about terrorism that would definitely resonate with everyone. A horror masterpiece, there are countless strong reasons why “Nope” is a film that is worth seeing.
Set in a ranch in California, “Nope” tells a story of farmers that face aliens causing a dilemma. Daniel Kaluuya plays OJ Haywood, a devoted farmer filming Western movies for Hollywood. OJ has always been dedicated to taking care of his ranch that has been owned by his family. Assisted by his sister Emerald (Keke Palmer), OJ is devoted to taking care of a ranch that he has appreciated. However, OJ’s life changes when his ranch is invaded by extra-terrestrial clouds causing disaster. Faced with a stressful dilemma, OJ begins to question whether he will be able to care for a ranch which experiences trauma. Discovering that his ranch is facing an alien invasion that is terrifying, OJ begins to question whether his dreams of success for his farm are worth pursuing. As odds are stacked against his favour, OJ struggles to care for a ranch facing disaster.
Jordan Peele is fascinated with the horror film genre. A fantastic horror filmmaker, Peele has often excelled at making movies about black people in danger. With “Nope”, however, Peele created his first alien invasion blockbuster. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture terrifying alien invasions causing catastrophe, but he succeeded immensely. Using stunning cinematography, Peele captures a rancher on a journey to defend his farm for aliens causing catastrophe. Inspired with Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws”, Peele successfully uses point of view shots to capture the lives of farmers facing an alien invasion disaster. For instance, point of view shots elevate the cloud disasters scene. During this engaging scene, OJ and his sister facing a dilemma when their ranch is invaded by dark alien clouds that are frightening. One appreciates point of view shots capturing the tensions that farmers go through. Point of view shots are complex techniques to use in movies. As Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” had suggested, POV shots elevate films about the Holocaust. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Through breathtaking visuals, Peele captures the tensions that farmers on ranches are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Nope” which merits appreciation is the production design. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Inspired with Ridley Scott’s “Alien”, Peele effectively uses diegetic sounds to capture the lives of farmers seeking to defend ranches that decline. Whether it’s sounds of deafening bombs exploding or ominous aliens approaching, Peele uses diegetic sounds to capture tensions farmers on ranches are facing. For instance, diegetic sounds elevate the final alien battle scene. During this memorable scene, OJ witnesses his first signs of extraterrestrial contact on the planet. One appreciates diegetic sounds that capture tensions ranchers on farms are often facing. Diegetic sounds are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” suggested, diegetic sounds elevate historical biopics about innovators. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Michael Abels’ score is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film tense atmosphere captures true heavy burden farmers facing alien invasions bear. Through extraordinary production, Peele created a compelling alien invasion.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Nope” is a sci-fi classic that is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses sequences of silence to capture lives of farmers facing tension. For instance, silence elevates the Gordy attack scene. During this unforgettable scene, Gordy the chimpanzee attacks guests at a party live on a television show. One appreciates scenes of silence that capture the lives of traumatized children that face tension. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. As John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place” suggested, silence elevates horror films about survival. Ari Aster’s “Hereditary” proved that silence elevates horror movies about the lives of broken families. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through strong storytelling, Peele captures the tensions that farmers stuck on ranches facing frightening alien invasions are enduring.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Daniel Kaluuya delivers one of his best career performances as OJ. Kaluuya first achieved appreciation for playing black men enduring racism in horror movies. With “Nope”, however, he took on his most emotional role. It isn’t easy to portray a black man that becomes victim of alien invasions causing tragedy but he pulled it off effectively. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Kaluuya has often had an aptitude for playing men that are under intense pressure, and “Nope” shows his talents as an actor. With bold expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and fear of a black man facing alien invasions that cause catastrophe. It’s a powerful performance from one of the greatest African American actors working today.
While the film is mainly a stunning showcase for Daniel Kaluuya, the supporting cast is also amazing and deserves praise. Keke Palmer is powerful, capturing the terror of a sister that struggles to protect her farm from aliens that cause disaster. Steven Yeun is spectacular, bringing a sense of wonder to a carnival performer haunted by memories of a tragic disaster. Lastly, Brandon Perea merits praise. As a technician that faced alien invasions, he brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Nope” will earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing the lives of aliens that are without hope. Unlike most horror movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including race, identity and trauma which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of alien movies to appreciate it. Therefore, “Nope” is one of those rare horror movies that everyone would adore.
Fans of Daniel Kaluuya would appreciate “Nope” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A captivating horror classic, it honours an actor that has built a legacy which is iconic.
A captivating portrait of ranchers seeking to defend their farms from flying saucers that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has built a lasting legacy earning a huge fan following for his abilities to portray compelling characters in captivating movies which are definitely without a single doubt worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 