'Nope'
Universal PicturesExpectations are high around Jordan Peele's latest horror film Nope, in part because it is a reunion between the writer-producer-director and Get Out star Daniel Kaluuya, but also because his films thus far have delivered heart-pounding scares and intense twists. They have also been critically acclaimed: Both Get Out, which was released in 2017 and has a Metascore of 85, and Us, which was released in 2019 and has a Metascore of 81, are Metacritic Must-See films.
And while the full review embargo on Nope has not yet lifted, moviegoers don't have to lower their expectations for the film, as critics' social media reactions to it have been resoundingly positive, with Grace Randolph of Beyond the Trailer even going so far as to call it Peele's "best film yet."
To further elaborate, she Tweeted that the movie is "as if Hitchcock, Kubrick & Tarantino had a baby! Breathtaking Funny Terrifying."
#NopeMovie @JordanPeele’s best film yet
— Grace Randolph (@GraceRandolph) July 19, 2022
As if Hitchcock, Kubrick & Tarantino had a baby!
Breathtaking
Funny
Terrifying
Review Wednesday pic.twitter.com/uVTbMbMPhq
People's Nigel Smith also praised Peele's film by calling it a "thrilling and strange spectacle unlike anything else out there" and noting that fans should "see it on the biggest screen you can find."
#NopeMovie is a resounding YES. See it on the biggest screen you can find. A thrilling and strange spectacle unlike anything else out there. I'll never look at the sky the same way again.
— Nigel Smith (@nigelmfs) July 19, 2022
Nope is a science fiction horror film that stars Kaluuya and Keke Palmer as a Hollywood horse-training, ranch-owning brother and sister OJ and Emerald Haywood duo, who embark on a mission to find on-camera proof of a UFO after their father (played by Keith David) dies. Emerald is all-in, believing they will be able to do it, especially with the help of the guy who sells them their gear (played by Brandon Perea) and an actual documentarian (played by Michael Wincott), but OJ isn't as convinced. And that is probably the right attitude to have because knowing Peele's kind of storytelling, danger will lurk above the clouds, whether what they are chasing turns out to be a UFO or not.
Steven Yeun also stars in the film.
Freelancer Simon Thompson noted that the movie is much more sci-fi than horror, and admittedly, this may make the film different from what fans of Peele have come to expect, aka "a real puzzlebox" and "potentially [Peele's] most divisive vision yet." However, despite the film having roots in science fiction, Thompson comparing it to Jaws implies Peele has still created a very scary threat within the world of the story.
Jordan Peele’s Nope is his most confident, unfettered, and potentially most divisive vision yet. Swapping the exclamation marks of horror for the question marks of sci-fi, this is less about scares. With hints of Close Encounters, Jaws, and more, #NopeMovie is a real puzzlebox. pic.twitter.com/Ny3EVaLTqW
— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) July 19, 2022
Thompson wasn't the only one to compare Peele's latest big-screen outing to Jaws, either. CinemaBlend's Eric Eisenberg called the film "an excellent tribute to" that 1975 classic, while also continuing the round of applause for Peele as an artist. He noted that Peele created "a summer spectacle about spectacle" and calling his trio of films thus far a "brilliant run."
With #Nope, Jordan Peele continues his brilliant run crafting detailed, layered, and fascinating horror films, and it's a blast. It's a summer spectacle about spectacle, and while there are many flavors mixed in, it's particularly an excellent tribute to Jaws. Peele is 3-for-3. pic.twitter.com/aFKg2uTZ5v
— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) July 19, 2022
See below for more social media reactions to Nope. The movie opens in theaters on July 22.
Nope is nothing like what you’d expect. An entertaining head-scratcher, equal parts confusing and terrifying and, like most of the films by @JordanPeele, offers layers you likely won’t peel back in one sitting. (CONT’D) #NopeMovie pic.twitter.com/GwkHzqkynt
— Chris Killian (@chriskillian) July 19, 2022
What I enjoy most about Peele’s work (including Nope) is the subconscious nightmarish tone, like a bad dream you know you’re in but once you wake up, you feel like your brain was trying to tell you something else. There really isn’t anyone making horror like him. (CONT’D)
— Chris Killian (@chriskillian) July 19, 2022
The cast are all incredible but my favorite part was the return of Michael Wincott who I’ve missed so much since his heyday as a 90s villain. Someone should pay that man lots of money to read children stories with his whispered growl. pic.twitter.com/PrlufyCZFy
— Chris Killian (@chriskillian) July 19, 2022
Jordan Peele’s #Nope is one of the best films I’ve watched this year! It’s frightening & ferocious, but also very funny & unlike any UFO movie you’ve ever seen. It is a wholly unique & VERY entertaining horror epic full of wild surprises & an unforgettable Keke Palmer performance pic.twitter.com/iua9HPt0RG
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) July 19, 2022
#NopeMovie is otherworldly yet indescribable. From instances of sheer terror to heartfelt moments btwn the characters, #Nope is an experience that won't be easy to shake off as you find yourself picking your jaw up from the floor. Jordan Peele has done it again! @nopemovie pic.twitter.com/bUr1ad5TAx
— Shannon McGrew 🎃🍭 @ Screaming Into the Void (@shannon_mcgrew) July 19, 2022
The most important thing you need to know about NOPE is it’s crazy different from Get Out & Us. This is Jordan Peele spreading his wings and making big budget Spielberg/esque sci-fi, but with the subtext you’d expect. Enter with an open mind and you’ll be rewarded. #NopeMovie
— Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) July 19, 2022
So #NopeMovie is absolutely phenomenal in so many ways. Perfectly blends together a sci-fi spectacle w/a story that is also something of a Hollywood reckoning & it blew my expectations away. Gorgeously shot, the sound mix is thunderous & the cast all shines. Love love loved it. pic.twitter.com/qdcZIvsX5T
— Heather Wixson (@MMEFXBook is available now!) (@thehorrorchick) July 19, 2022
#NopeMovie is Jordan Peele is showing audiences another part of who is as a creative and an artist. I won't deny he's taking a big swing with this but it is a bold swing worth taking. I felt challenged by Nope and I'm hungry to see where the hell he wants to take audiences next. pic.twitter.com/9kX2AcgaOL
— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) July 19, 2022