https://collider.com/nope-animal-exploitation-spectacle-jordan-peele/
In Jordan Peele’s NOPE, the exploitation of animals is depicted as a central theme of the film. This article, written by Molly Kusilka, depicts Ricky’s involvement in the exploitation of animals. Ricky buys horses from the Haywood Horse Ranch in order to use them as bait to lure the creature (Jean Jacket) down from the sky. During the opening scene, the aftermath of the chimpanzee attack in Gordy’s Home is portrayed. Mary Jo’s bloody legs are shown while Ricky hides under the table. Peele’s choice to open the film in this particular fashion foreshadows the significance of animals in the film. The attack also enables the viewers to comprehend Ricky’s decisions later in the film. Specifically, Ricky’s childhood incident leads him to believe he could develop a bond with Jean Jacket, since he survived Gordy’s attack, and then use that bond to make money.
Flashbacks are utilized to regress back to the attack throughout the film, in order to display more details of the incident and deepen the viewers’ understanding of Ricky’s exploitation of animals. Ricky turns his trauma into a spectacle of himself as he brags about the attack being on a magazine cover. However, directly after, there is a flashback which shows Ricky very scared under the table while Gordy is attacking Mary Jo. This illustrates the juxtaposition between Ricky’s trauma and his attempt to take advantage of past events for personal gain. Furthermore, during his show he sacrifices horses to Jean Jacket which shows his desire to gain fame. Additionally, Ricky’s attempt to tame wild animals fails as during his show, the horse does not leave the gate which causes Jean Jacket to react and swallow the crowd, including Ricky. His death further illustrates the exploitation of wild animals and his failed attempts to tame them.
The article also touches on the final flashback, which reveals the cause of the attack. During the flashback, Gordy sticks his hand out to fist bump Ricky, visually depicting the physical contrast between humans and wild animals. Before Gordy could actually fist bump Ricky, the police shoot him, further emphasizing the exploitation of animals for spectacle. Thematically, this film shows how animals are trapped in real world horror and emphasizes humans desire for spectacle.
