Nope
★ ★★★
I think it's fair to say that Jordan Peele has cemented himself as one of my favorite filmmakers. After seeing Nope, he has made three solid movies that are some of the most memorable films I've seen in the last ten years. With Nope, he strays away from the heavy social commentary he presented in his last two films and presents a more straightforward, suspense film. I actually welcomed this because he is showing the ability to not be pigeonholed into a specific genre. Once I realized what Peele was doing with this tale, I was able to loosen my expectations and enjoy the ride.
Even though Nope starts out with an eeriness that doesn't completely follow through, I was thoroughly entertained by this Jaws-esque family tale. Although I'm still wrestling with how the two worlds (and almost two different stories) that he presents integrate with another. Regardless, he never fails to leave you with images that you won't soon forget. Peele has also shown the ability to create amazing performances with his actors. The ensemble is wonderful, but Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer are standouts. I personally think Kaluuya is this generation's Robert DeNiro. He has the ability to convey so much with his eyes and body language that produces a tremendous, intimate connection with the audience.
Nope is Peele's most audience-friendly film and people will easily relate to his man versus nature debate. As we are living in a world where mother nature is constantly reminding us of who is the boss, Peele warns us of the danger of trying to control things we aren't capable of handling. Nope won't be as scary as some are expecting, but that doesn't take away from one of the most frightening, and most effective first shots of a movie that I've ever seen. I will forever stay away from anything named Gordy.
