Jordan Peele’s Nope (2022) is a masterful blend of science fiction, horror, and social commentary wrapped in a tense, slow-burn thriller. With its eerie atmosphere and cryptic storytelling, Nope examines humanity’s obsession with spectacle — and the dangers that come from staring too long into the unknown.
Detailed Summary
The Haywood Ranch
The story follows OJ (Otis Jr.) Haywood, played by Daniel Kaluuya, and his sister Emerald Haywood (Keke Palmer). They run the Haywood Hollywood Horse Ranch, a business that supplies trained horses to film and television productions. Their father, Otis Sr., dies in a mysterious accident when metal debris inexplicably falls from the sky — one piece of which fatally injures him. OJ is left traumatized, while Emerald remains more upbeat but disconnected from the family business.
Strange Phenomena in the Sky
Months later, OJ begins noticing bizarre things happening around the ranch. The power cuts out at odd times, and horses behave nervously, often vanishing without explanation. OJ becomes convinced that something in the sky is watching them — or worse, hunting them. Emerald, intrigued by the potential for fame and fortune, convinces OJ that they should capture whatever’s out there on film, dubbing it “the Oprah shot.”
The Neighbor — Ricky “Jupe” Park
Their neighbor, Ricky “Jupe” Park (played by Steven Yeun), runs a Western-themed attraction called Jupiter’s Claim. Jupe is a former child actor who survived a horrific TV set incident involving a chimpanzee named Gordy. During a live taping of his show, Gordy’s Home!, the chimp went berserk and attacked the cast. Jupe, hiding under a table, locked eyes with the chimp before it was shot dead by police. This traumatic event shaped his obsession with spectacle — and his dangerous belief that wild forces can be controlled for entertainment.
Enter the Predator — “Jean Jacket”
The mysterious presence in the sky turns out not to be a UFO but a living, predatory organism. Nicknamed Jean Jacket by Emerald, it hunts by consuming anything that looks directly at it, mistaking eye contact as aggression. Its saucer-like form unfolds into a massive, angelic-looking creature that uses visual lure and sound to ensnare its prey.
OJ, Emerald, and their new ally, Angel (Brandon Perea) — a curious tech salesman — set up cameras around the ranch to document Jean Jacket. They later enlist Antlers Holst (Michael Wincott), a legendary cinematographer obsessed with capturing the impossible on film.
The Tragedy at Jupiter’s Claim
In one of the film’s most disturbing moments, Jupe attempts to stage a live show using Jean Jacket as the main attraction. He believes he can control it. Instead, Jean Jacket descends from the clouds and devours Jupe, his family, and the entire audience — an unforgettable sequence that mixes terror with awe. The skies rain blood as the creature hovers over the ranch, cementing the film’s central message: humanity’s insatiable desire for spectacle is both its fascination and its downfall.
The Plan to Capture the Impossible
Determined to outsmart Jean Jacket, OJ and Emerald devise a plan. They use decoy balloons, old analog cameras, and clever bait to lure the creature into range. Antlers Holst captures the creature on film but becomes consumed by the same obsession for spectacle that doomed Jupe — he sacrifices himself trying to get a “perfect shot.”
Movie Ending
In the final act, OJ distracts Jean Jacket on horseback while Emerald rushes to Jupiter’s Claim. She releases a giant inflatable cowboy balloon (nicknamed “Lucky the Wacky Waving Guy”) to lure Jean Jacket closer. As the creature approaches, it unfolds into its true form — a vast, celestial, sail-like predator resembling an origami angel or jellyfish made of light.
Emerald uses the old analog camera well at Jupiter’s Claim to take multiple pictures as the creature descends, finally capturing the shot that proves its existence. Jean Jacket swallows the balloon, mistaking it for prey — and explodes in a burst of light and debris.
In the aftermath, reporters and police flood the area. Emerald, exhausted but triumphant, looks toward the horizon — and sees OJ on horseback, alive, sitting beneath a sign that reads “Out Yonder.” It’s an ambiguous, emotional ending — is he truly there, or is she imagining him? Peele leaves that question deliberately open.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Nope does not have any post-credits scenes. Once the film ends, that’s it — no hidden teasers, no sequel hints. Jordan Peele wanted the story to stand on its own, with the lingering unease carrying into the credits.
Type of Movie
Nope is a science fiction horror-thriller with strong elements of mystery and social satire. It’s also an allegory about Hollywood, spectacle, and the exploitation of both animals and people for entertainment.
Cast
- Daniel Kaluuya as OJ Haywood
- Keke Palmer as Emerald Haywood
- Steven Yeun as Ricky “Jupe” Park
- Brandon Perea as Angel Torres
- Michael Wincott as Antlers Holst
- Keith David as Otis Haywood Sr.
- Terry Notary as Gordy the Chimp (motion capture)
Film Music and Composer
The film’s haunting and atmospheric score was composed by Michael Abels, who also collaborated with Jordan Peele on Get Out and Us. The soundtrack features eerie orchestral themes mixed with Western influences, underscoring both the film’s sci-fi tension and its desert setting.
Filming Locations
Nope was primarily shot in Agua Dulce, California, near Santa Clarita Valley. The sweeping desert landscape was crucial in establishing the film’s lonely, wide-open atmosphere — emphasizing isolation and smallness against the cosmic scale of the sky. The setting also serves as a metaphor for the endless gaze upward — the search for fame, truth, or terror.
Awards and Nominations
While not a major awards contender, Nope received critical acclaim and multiple nominations for its cinematography and visual effects, including:
- Critics’ Choice Awards: Nominated for Best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie
- Saturn Awards: Nominated for Best Science Fiction Film and Best Director (Jordan Peele)
- African-American Film Critics Association: Top 10 Films of 2022
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Jordan Peele described Nope as a “UFO horror” and “a dark Amblin movie” — referencing Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
- The creature “Jean Jacket” was designed to resemble sea life — a cross between a jellyfish, stingray, and angelic cloth.
- Keke Palmer improvised several of Emerald’s most energetic lines.
- The Gordy’s Home scene was inspired by real-life animal incidents on film sets.
- The title “Nope” came from Peele’s desire to capture the audience’s reaction — “the moment you see something horrifying and say, ‘Nope!’”
Inspirations and References
- The Valley setting and tone draw inspiration from Spielberg’s Jaws and Close Encounters.
- The creature design and its use of sound reference Neon Genesis Evangelion and cosmic horror imagery.
- The film thematically references Hollywood exploitation and the way spectacle consumes those who seek it.
- The Gordy’s Home subplot mirrors the real-life story of Travis the chimpanzee, who attacked his owner in 2009.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Several small deleted scenes exist, mostly extending dialogue between OJ and Emerald or showing more of Angel’s preparation at the ranch. Peele cut these to keep the pacing taut. There were no confirmed alternate endings — Peele has said the film’s final ambiguity is intentional and was always part of the story.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Nope is not based on a book, but it has sparked novelizations and academic essays analyzing its themes — particularly around spectacle, racial history in film, and humanity’s relationship with nature.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The opening Gordy’s Home flashback — equal parts horrifying and heartbreaking.
- The first time Jean Jacket reveals its true form, unfolding like a celestial organism.
- The Jupiter’s Claim massacre scene — shocking and unforgettable.
- Emerald’s final motorcycle chase through the park.
Iconic Quotes
- Emerald: “What’s a bad miracle? They got a word for that?”
- OJ: “Don’t look it in the eye.”
- Angel: “Bro, it’s an alien! I knew it!”
- Antlers Holst: “The impossible shot. I’ll get it.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The opening title uses an old-fashioned Universal Pictures logo, referencing 1950s alien invasion movies.
- Jean Jacket’s movements mimic animal hunting behavior — especially territorial predators.
- The shoe standing upright during the Gordy attack represents trauma fixation — how people stare at tragedy rather than flee.
- The well camera at Jupiter’s Claim is a nod to early photography — the act of capturing spectacle through exploitation.
Trivia
- The creature’s sound design uses slowed-down whale calls and distorted human screams.
- The film was shot on IMAX cameras, with wide 65mm film to enhance the sky’s vastness.
- Keke Palmer learned horseback riding specifically for her role.
- Peele said each of his three films (Get Out, Us, Nope) explores a different “psychological fear of spectacle.”
Why Watch?
Watch Nope for its breathtaking visuals, complex symbolism, and slow-building dread. It’s a film that rewards multiple viewings — every detail, sound, and camera angle contributes to its central theme: that humanity’s hunger for wonder and fame can be our own undoing.
