Saying “NOPE” to terror

Jordan Peele’s NOPE (2022) is a film that has a very simple categorization, but it thrives because of its genre complexity.

To be honest, I am scared. At the first glance, NOPE seems like a straightforward science-fiction horror film about this unknown UFO from the other world terrorizing a California horse ranch and the people that connects with it. Peele blends in the elements from Western, horror and science fiction genres to question not just our fear, but the way we perceive horror and spectacle.

The Western genre influence is the most visible. We see that the setting is located at a desert valley, which is similar to the most classical cowboy movies that happen in a small town in the middle of the desert. Here, the setting and the background knowledge of we knowing the main character’s family all tame horses adds on to the Western genre influence.

At the same time, horror is also deeply rooted in NOPE. Peele used fear through sound and silence. This echos the horror through sensory orientation to the audience. The UFO is both a top predator and a symbol of unknown and violence. Like the best horror films, NOPE exposes our psychological vulnerability — in this case, our obsession with witnessing spectacle even at our own danger. In addition to the UFO as horror, the flashback of the Chimp killing three people, and OJ’s father killed by plane crash remnants is also killing me and really scared the guts out of me.

I REALLY DON’T WANT PICTURES HERE IT SCARES ME SO MUCH

Nope also employs a lot of science fiction conventions to explore the curiosity of human and the approach of the unknown. The idea of meeting an alien culture becomes a indication of these people trying to catch the impossible. Just like most sci-fi films, there is a desperate attempt to take control, which may suggest how technology shape our relationship with the reality (as suggested by the lights out and all technology stuff)

The fusion of these three genres redefine its boundaries. NOPE is a perfect example of genre hybrid. We can see the familiarness of other films we watch before of the same genre, but we can also see the influence of the three on each other. It is not just about the giant terror alien flying in the sky, but it is about the cost of observation, and the price of the spectacle.

One thing I noticed while watching, is that why these people, though fear of the UFO, still wants to approach and get a shot of it, even knowing its destructiveness? Peele turns that fascination back on us, making viewers question their own role as spectators.