Overhated & Underrated: Jordan Peele’s Most Devisive Film Still Gets Too Much Hate

by

Jordan Peele quickly became a major directing force with his film Get Out. While his subsequent movies, Us and Nope, have garnered both praise and criticism, Nope in particular has faced a lot of unfair negativity over time.

Okay, so is Nope really an alien movie? That’s up for debate, honestly. But what’s not debatable is that it’s really split audiences – people have a lot of different opinions about it. Personally, though, I think all the things people are criticizing actually make it brilliant. The acting is fantastic, the creature is fascinating, and there’s just so much to unpack. It’s way more than just a Jaws rip-off; it’s got so many layers to it that I love!

Jordan Peele’s Nope Explains Everything (if You Know Where to Look)

A major criticism of the film Nope is its reluctance to fully explain important plot points. From the unsettling events involving Gordy the chimpanzee to the nature of the creature itself, many unanswered questions make the movie feel longer and more drawn-out than it needs to be. This is particularly evident in the death of cinematographer Antlers Holst, who seems to believe humanity isn’t worthy of witnessing something extraordinary before being devoured by the flying creature. Even with the clues provided, Holst remains a mysterious figure, and his death ultimately highlights what makes Nope such a distinctive film.

The film is full of subtle clues that you’ll likely pick up on with multiple viewings. I could point some out, but I suggest watching it at least twice with the sound up to fully appreciate the details. The creature’s behavior is also explained throughout, with early scenes revealing how it moves, what it’s been doing, and how it functions.

I’ve always wondered what Nope really is – is it a straight-up movie, or more of a monster movie? Even the title itself seems mysterious! I think that’s because it doesn’t fully commit to being either an alien film or a horror film, it’s a blend of both. But what I really love is that the movie gives you all the pieces to figure things out for yourself, but does it in a really clever way. It’s also about how people chase fame and try to control nature, and how those things almost never go as planned.

The Chimp Scene in Jordan Peele’s Nope Defines Its Themes

A major point of discussion surrounding the film involves a storyline about Gordy, a chimpanze who starred in a fake ’90s TV show called ‘Gordy’s Home.’ The film reveals that during filming, Gordy suddenly attacked and brutally killed several cast and crew members before being shot. A young boy who witnessed the event was particularly disturbed, not just by the violence, but by the strange image of a single shoe standing upright in the aftermath.

Steven Yeun portrays the adult Jupe, a man obsessed with the idea of controlling the uncontrollable. He believes he successfully calmed Gordy the chimpanzee before the tragic event, and this desire for control continues to drive him, fueled by a pursuit of fame. This ultimately highlights the dangerous appeal of Hollywood and leads to a fatal outcome, as Jupe’s need for recognition leads to his own death and the deaths of others.

Many viewers feel the scene with Gordy feels unnecessary and clutters an already busy plot, seeming unrelated to the family’s goal of finding alien life. However, it’s actually crucial to the film, as it subtly lays the groundwork for everything that happens in the ending.

Throughout the movie, Em and OJ are trying to capture evidence of the mysterious creature on their farm, hoping to earn money to save their family business. While they present it as a selfless act, they’re also driven by a desire for recognition. When their initial plan falls apart and they decide to destroy the creature, Em finally manages to take a photo, almost as a consequence of prioritizing what’s right over seeking fame. However, this storyline wouldn’t resonate without the parallel story involving Gordy, the chimpanzee.

Jordan Peele’s Nope Honors the Summer Blockbuster

Jordan Peele’s Nope intentionally leaves a lot open to interpretation, and that’s a big reason why it doesn’t deserve the criticism it’s received. While the film explores themes of controlling and capturing nature, it’s also a loving tribute to classic summer blockbusters like Steven Spielberg’s Jaws.

The movie captures the excitement of going to the cinema, where you never quite know what you’re in for. In some ways, Nope echoes Jaws, particularly in a scene where OJ runs to reveal the creature, allowing the characters to get the crucial shot they need. This chase sequence is similar to the one in Jaws – more thrilling and entertaining than truly frightening.

As a movie fan, I found Nope to be a really interesting horror film – it definitely has layers and things it’s trying to say. But it’s also the kind of movie where you can just switch off and enjoy it if you’re not really in a thinking mood. It can get a little complex if you try to unpack everything all at once, but honestly, the film gives you everything you need to really get what it’s going for.

Jordan Peele’s Nope isn’t flawless, but it’s a remarkably well-crafted film. What I love about it is how skillfully it balances entertainment with meaningful themes. By paying tribute to classic summer blockbusters, Nope demonstrates that a movie can be both incredibly fun and thought-provoking – and rewards repeat viewings. It’s a unique cinematic experience, offering a blend of horror, adventure, and depth that we may not see again soon.

Tune in two weeks as Jamie Parker dissects an underrated sci-fi movie.

Read More

2026-06-04 21:00