Jordan Peele’s name has become synonymous with jaw-dropping and creative horror films likeGet OutandUs, so it should come as no surprise that his next venture as a writer-director has been met with rave reviews from critics.Nopeis set to blend horror with sci-fi and mystery when it officially premieres in theaters later this month, and if the first handful of trailers were any indication—it’s going to be an unforgettable movie-going experience.
After a freak accident that kills their father, siblings OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald Haywood (Keke Palmer) attempt to become the first people to capture video evidence of unidentified flying objects, so they can profit off of their personal tragedy. Once they cross paths with Angel Torres (Brandon Perea) and documentarian Antlers Holst (Michael Wincott) things start to spiral out of control. Based on the trailers which, admittedly, don’t give a lot away, it seems like the aliens they encounter are able to cloak themselves in the sky—leading to lots of ominous clouds hovering over the isolated western community they live in.Nopealso starsSteven Yeun,Barbie Ferreira,Terry Notary,Donna Mills,Jennifer Lafleur,Sophia Coto, andKeith David.
Collider’s ownPerri NemiroffgaveNopea rave review, praising it as a “trippy, terrifying sci-fi Western that also rocks a fascinating collision of big screen and real-world spectacle.” WhileSteve Weintraubopted to focus on the cinematography ofHoyte Van Hoytemato avoid spoiling any aspect of the film.
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Many critics likeHeather WixsonandNigel Smithfocused on the “spectacle” of the film, with Wixson highlighting that the film also focused on the “Hollywood reckoning” angle of it.
Shannon McGrewdescribed it as “otherworldly” and “indescribable,” which really builds the anticipation for howNopemay be an entirely different brand of horror for Peele, off the heels ofGet OutandUs. Combined withChris Killian’s reaction to its “terrifying” angle, it’s safe to say that Peele is still at the top of the list of horror maestros.
While many critics seem to love what Peele has done withNope, a few cited it as the weakest in his filmography, includingSharronda Williamswho was left “disappointed” and “frustrated” by it. This may be in line withSimonThompson’s claim that this would be Peele’s most “divisive vision yet.”
Some critics, likeRon Seoul-Ohfocused on specific performances including Kaluuya and Palmer’s sibling bond, and Yeun and Perea.
Find out for yourself ifNopelives up to expectations when it arrives in theaters on July 22. Check out the trailer below:
