Nope
Image courtesy of Universal Pictures
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Similar to all of Jordan Peele's films, Nope was very polarizing among audiences. Many people that watched the movie felt it wasn't as impactful as his previous works, Get Out and Us. I believe this is because Nope doesn't slap you in the face with its message. While Peele's other films are also incredible, it isn't difficult to discern the social commentary in them. Nope takes a bit more heavy lifting from the viewer, but knowing is worth the work.
The first major plot, one of the main points of controversy, is Gordy's attack. In one of the most disturbing scenes of modern cinema, the chimpanzee star of the film's imaginary sitcom was set into a rampage during filming and massacred the cast leaving only Jupe and Mary Jo (who was still very maimed from the attack) alive. One of the most interesting details of the scene is the shoe that was balanced unnaturally during the attack. This introduces the idea of a 'bad miracle.' Humans are constantly trying to exploit things to make money or become famous without assessing the potential consequences. I think this is especially true with the rise of social media and the internet in general. However, instead of animals being the target of exploitation, people are the prize.
Another point that stuck out to me was this deadly desire to capture the spectacle of the UFO. The desire to prove to the world that this monster exists consumes OJ, Emerald, and Angel, almost killing them. The same desire is seen in Jupiter's use of the monster as a draw to his theme park. I find it intriguing that even after his experiences with Gordy that he hasn't learned his lesson. That speaks to the thirst for capitalism. He even uses the tragedy of Gordy's Home to make money. The connection between the alien creature and the spectacle is simple. If you don't look at it directly, taking in the spectacle of it, you will be spared. A simple commentary on humanity's descent into a hunger for the world's ugliness, no matter the cost.
