Nope

Jordan Peele writes, directs and produces his third feature film, this time adding a little sci-fi to his already trademark intelligent and original horror stories. Daniel Kaluuya is OJ son of a trainer of cinema horses. When he sees him killed in a freak incident he is left to run the business with his sister Em (Keke Palmer) and it soon is in trouble. However, the way out presents itself when an odd presence emerges over their land and with the help of Angel (Brandon Perea), who works in the local electronics store, they embark on a plan to capture footage of this unidentified aerial phenomenon. Footage that will make their fortune and it possibly may save some lives too!

I have to admit I’ve been a little mixed in Peele’s previous films, all with things to like and admire, but each feeling a little short for me. But Nope really worked, it’s a spectacular recreation of classic sci-fi horror and not just an homage, rather a very Peele take on the genre, with real depth, intelligence and humour.

The story is as layered as you’d expect, sci-fi monster horror, an exploration of the desperation for online fame alongside smart and subtle undertones. For example OJ realising that to stay safe he should never look the monster in the eye, a very evocative image.

Performances are outstanding Kaluuya in particular, a brooding, sullen and introverted character, who some how engages you completely, dragging you in to the story, one scene where he sits in his car avoiding the monster exemplifies this. Palmer’s energy and humour, as the showey polar opposite sibling is equally watchable. They are aided by a script, brilliantly paced to build tension, smart enough to keep you guessing, but well enough structured that you realise the clues were right in front of you. All this alongside stunning cinematography.

Nope is a fantastic sci-fi monster horror. Not an homage but a reworking, with a modern eye, depth and intelligence. It’s tense, smart and funny in the right places and is built around a fabulous Daniel Kaluuya performance. See it on the big screen, it’s worth it.