NOPE Explained | Why I LOVED Jordan Peele's NOPE

Jordan Peele's NOPE is layered and complex. In this I hope to offer explanations for the themes and stories that are presented by the film. I'd love to hear your thoughts and theories in the comments below so we can get an even greater understanding and appreciation for the movie. Thanks for checking out my NOPE Explained!

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*****

My couch rating system:
5 - A must-watch - do not pass this one up
4 - It's really good, you should see it
3 - It's OK - maybe good for a rental
2 - It's not that good and I wouldn't recommend it
1 - It's terrible and I definitely don't recommend it
0 - Cutting off a finger is better than watching this

#NOPE #NopeSpoilers

[TheABSRDST]

Regarding the shoe, I don’t think it had anything to do with the alien per-se, and was more a play on the old saying “waiting for the other shoe to drop”, an anecdote that basically means that Jupiter’s fate was sealed way back then. The other shoe “dropped” when he got his entire family and audience massacred in the most horrific way imaginable.

EDIT: Actually, now that I think of it, it also sealed his costar's fate too. And it was her shoe.

[TheAfternoonTune_]

Quick note. Steven Yeun's character wasn't the sole survivor. He had a co-star who lived but was horribly disfigured. Great thoughts.

[gonaye]

I loved how every character in the movie had a different relationship with the pursuit of spectacle:

(1) Ricky and the Sitcom massacre: Everybody was willing to smile and laugh for the camera despite the fact that they were dealing with a temperamental animal

(2) Ricky and the Circus massacre: Everybody was willing to smile and gawk at an actual alien presence despite the fact that they had no idea if it really came in peace or not, and Ricky loved fame too much to stop chasing dangerous opportunities whenever it presented itself

(3) Cinematographer: He was jaded for being recognized as having filmed the impossible, and he willingly gave his life for that one truly perfect shot

(4) TMZ Guy: So determined to uncover the truth he wanted the camera rolling as he was dying, and he even scorned Emerald for trying to save his life

(5) OJ and Emerald wanted to bring honor to their fathers legacy, and were so determined to capture the perfect shot they put their lives at risk to get it

(6) Angel didn’t just want to capture the spectacle for fame or financial gain; he wanted to warn the world and hopefully save lives. That’s why when his life was truly in danger he focused on survival over spectacle

[MadailinBurnhope]

OMG I totally agree that this is the key to the meaning of this film; the alien acts out in much the same way as the chimp, so the film is about freedom from captivity and exploitation (amongst other things); the chimp acts out violently, the horse bolts, the alien rains blood and throws shit in much the same way as an ape; the message: when we trap, enslave and exploit for a quick buck, we have to face the consequences; once again, the "threat" in a Jordan Peele film is humanity's own stupidity (which makes him VERY Spielbergian)

[channeljg]

The animal symbolism was interesting as well I think it ties in with the undertones of the exploitation over others. The species contrast between the characters also something for note. Example: Monkey vs cast, humans vs aliens, even Keke and OJ vs the microagressions of the white film crew.
The film maker is shown watching old films of an octopus and crab fighting along with a large snake and tiger fighting to the death. Might be touching on our inability/struggle to coexist with other life forms or others we view as different.

[lenaepowell]

I was so frustrated that I couldn’t decode the nuances and hidden meaning of the movie on my own, but wow you broke that down so wonderfully. I can now put the pieces together. He never disappoints with his messages.

[StarwelTaxBizInfo]

After watching five reviews, yours was the first to focus on subjugation and control. Your analysis is brilliant. You captured the spirit of this movie best. TBH, this review is a must see BEFORE you see the movie.

Or at least before seeing it a second time for context. Well done, sir.

[latresemilton]

Great thoughts. Em got on my nerves so much in the beginning and then I loved her by the end. OJ hardly looked anyone in the eye in the beginning beside his sister. His father had grown so much in status. He was looking straight at the sky in the beginning. At the point he was killed, he was speaking of one upcoming job that would be a big payday for him. He was killed when a projectile went through his eye. Could that have been an analogy of the many times people of color gained independence and their own wealth but were taken out by those who were threatened? 🤔 I loved how OJ didn't let the alien intimidate him in the end and he looked him straight in the eye. Becoming victorious in the end.

[joshuat]

When I heard Jordan's interview. Where he said the name was originally going to be little green men. And then says I am talking about the little green men on money. So after hearing that I knew exactly where jordan was going with this film. And I actually enjoyed it.

[jordankleintrombone]

Everything you said I completely agree with. I would like to add, however, that when Gordy freaks out, I'm pretty sure that it also indicates when the UFO arrives on earth. After watching a second time, I caught that the Gordy rampage lasted 6 minutes and 13 seconds, and then Steven Yeun's character mentions that the first time he saw the UFO with his family was at 6:13 pm. This could just be an easter egg but given the fact that the UFO effects animals' behavior, I think it makes a lot of sense.

[jus]

Most will miss this gem but I'm a nerd on Africana Religions and my Bahamian roots made me discover Exuma's classic album "Obeah Man, " which is the song being played as they try to capture footage of Jean Jacket. Similarly a Black Bahamian riding horse back is referenced at the beginning of the film, noting the beginning of motion picture. Peele is a God Damned genius just like Kubrick was.

[VIIIC]

This is exactly the video I was looking for! I went into the movie expecting something completely different so when I got out of it I was so confused! But now that you explained it I definitely have a greater appreciation/understanding thanks to you!

[TeamWickedOpinion]

I saw it yesterday, and I walked out the theater in pure bliss. My expectations for this movie were high, and Peele one upped me on it. There is very little for me to complain about with this masterpiece. The more I think about it, the more satisfied I am, about my experience.

[msnos]

I knew there was something to the movie. I just thought that OJ was depressed cuz he saw his father die. He decided to capitalize off the alien on the ranch so that he could save it. I also felt that it was an exploration of how we have to get everything single thing on camera. But I noticed that when Jup had that alien spectacle thing, he didn't have much of an audience.

[CherryOnTheGo]

Okay I loved your analysis!! I sent it to my friend I saw it wish she loved it too. You touched on things I couldn’t articulate. My friend and I (both black American women) felt he was acting very subservient. Your analysis blew my mind and I love the movie more now because of it. Also I loved the fashion choices and I had a major crush on Kekeee character.

[TheHeartsandcake]

Wow… your perspective on Nope changed how I feel about it. Great analysis.

[thestorysage]

Extraordinarily insightful. I didn't even think of this interpretation when I was watching it.
I thought it was allegorical to the saying, "pics or it didn't happen, " but I guess that's because I wasn't paying attention so much to the animal treatment/spectacle aspect. I saw these characters as people trying to desperately record this entity.
Pics or it didn't happen. Even that freaking TMZ guy on the bike, was more obsessed with his injury being recorded than his life getting saved. The damn mechanical camera guy sacrificed his life for the perfect shot. There was much desperation in recording that thing, is all I'm saying. Don't tell me you weren't relieved when you saw Emerald got a pic of that shit flying in the sky, with that foreshadowed photo taking water well.

[adamherbert]

It took almost two weeks and I finally understand Nope now. Thank you. Haha

[charliebrownfrowns]

Wow, you gave me so much more appreciation for this film! Some things totally went over my head, thank u for pointing these things out! Can’t wait to watch it again!

[bymitchellpage]

This was so incredibly explained. This movie clearly has so much sub-text and messages that maybe the every day watcher who doesn’t love to unpack a film might not enjoy it. I would hope after watching your video though that they feel differently about the film and maybe give it a re-watch!

(Coming from an Aussie that hasn’t even seen the film yet as we still have to wait 2 more weeks 😂)