Jordan Peele’s third horror directorial film, NOPE, came out on July 18 of this year, featuring some of the most unique, nightmare inducing content introduced to horror in some time. 

 If you still haven’t seen the movie yet and are a fan of sci-fi, horror, or even Western films, I recommend you at least give it a try. I would note that this movie isn’t ideal for social viewing, as it features incredibly dark and serious moments. 

I had been anticipating the film since it was announced earlier in the summer, as I saw previews and was instantly intrigued. I just knew Peele was going to (yet again) reinvent modern horror, just as he did with Get Out (2017) and Us (2019). 

As a longtime fan of both horror and sci-fi films, I cannot recommend NOPE enough. From encapsulating characters, a booming soundtrack, and some of the most creative horror concepts I’ve ever seen, the movie is entirely an experience. 

Also, Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer absolutely nail their roles as siblings, their dynamic is realistic and adds tension throughout.  

Before diving into the film, I would say that watching his previous work may help ease you into his style, as it differs from other popular modern horror movies. NOPE allows the viewer to make their own connections and inferences, something not commonly found in today’s popular movies, regardless of genre. 

Although NOPE doesn’t follow metaphor as closely as its predecessors, the themes visited are easily as compelling. 

Notably, I found myself, quite literally, on the edge of my seat during numerous scenes of the movie. It made me feel like I was a kid again, watching classics like Jaws or Jurassic Park, in which I am simply in awe.  

I also appreciated the movie’s ability to keep me from guessing what would happen next. Personally, I love when movies keep you wondering and trying to fill in the blanks throughout, like a true mystery.  

NOPE is an alien movie, yet it sets itself so far apart from what I would generally consider to be part of that genre.  

With a current critical rating of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and an audience rating of 75%, it seems I am not alone in being impressed. 

Even with a runtime of over two hours (130 min.), I never found myself bored or anticipating a resolution. The expert pacing and storytelling provided more than enough entertainment throughout. 

 NOPE is still being shown in select theaters in Indianapolis, or it is available to buy on Amazon and Apple TV.