Tell us your definition of a good movie. Is it a worldwide sensational film, such as what’s hitting the big screens this Thanksgiving in the form of “Wicked”? Or is it a timeless classic like “Titanic”?
Here on PVP Live, we’re taking your inner movie geek to a whole new level. If you’re following our website, you might have probably noticed that we’re not heavy on mainstream, popular films but rather on movies that are “controversial” and sparking discussions. This time, we’ll discuss Jordan Peele’s 2022 film, “Nope.”
‘Nope’ Film Overview
Actor, comedian, and filmmaker Jordan Peele has worked in various films, including “Keanu,” “BlacKkKlansman,” “Us,” “Candyman,” “Monkey Man,” and, of course, “Nope.”
“Nope” is a Western sci-fi horror film that Peele directed, wrote, and produced. It stars Academy Award-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya and “Akeelah and the Bee” actress Keke Palmer as horse-wrangling siblings trying to find evidence of a UFO in Agua Dulce, California.
Steven Yeun, Brandon Perea, Keith David, and Michael Wincott are among those in the supporting roles.
“Nope” is a film viewers would remember for its unsettling ending. Let’s take a look.
What Happened In The Ending?
“Nope” follows the story of OJ Haywood (played by Kaluuya) and his sister Emerald (portrayed by Palmer), who take over the ranch and stunt business their family owns following the untimely and mysterious death of their dad.
While trying to sort things out in the business after their father’s demise, something sinister coming from the skies above the farm starts to menace and disturb them. Thus, they enlist the help of a local electronics store staff and a cinematographer to ascertain what kind of entity is coming from the sky by catching its act through video. Meanwhile, their neighboring Old West theme park adjacent to the ranch is also aware of the sightings and has its own plans for the oddity.
The final scene of “Nope” sees Emerald surviving the entire event and getting the “Oprah shot.” As she turns her gaze to the exit sign of the Jupiter Claim, reading “Out Yonder,” she sees what appears to be her brother riding atop Lucky the horse, wearing his orange hoodie. A smoke is obscuring the figure, and an ambiguous image is shown to the viewers, suggesting it might not be OJ after all, but a vision of him. Goosebumps right there.
So, let’s explain the ending.
The Ending Explained
“Nope” presents itself as a complicated and multi-layered narrative that combines multiple genres, as discussed previously, with social commentary included. The story of two siblings’ quest to find the answer to a UFO sighting concludes with an impactful and thought-provoking ending.
Final Confrontation
The climax of the movie doesn’t want to hide anything. The true nature of the weird object is revealed. However, note that this UFO is presented as a flying saucer throughout the movie, but viewers later realize it is actually a living being.
The creature, which the movie’s characters realize is a predatory being, is a shapeshifter and suggests a menacing aura. Eventually, viewers see that the UFO is actually a huge, floating, tentacle creature, which further adds to the complexity of the story. Looking at it deeper, it appears a manifestation of the dark side of nature, serving as a satire of humanity’s treatment of nature and the unknown.
The Last Act
The movie’s last act centers around the two siblings, desperate to take a snapshot of the creature. After several confrontations and failed attempts, the two devise a plan to use a specially designed camera to capture the creature’s image – a highly advanced digital camera that can withstand the creepy creature’s electromagnetic interference.
In the funniest of ways, the siblings think of giving a fake horse decoy as bait as they prepare the camera to capture the image. But this move is later proven to be dangerous, as the creature is shown capable of devouring anything that goes against its way. But the two are persistent, building the film’s suspense.
The Resolution And Symbolism
Do the Haywood siblings succeed? Yes and no. While they are able to capture the creature’s image, documenting it, it comes at a major personal cost. “Nope” ends with a poignant scene that depicts themes of nature, the exploitation of it, and human persistence.
To look at this deeper, the captured image symbolizes the ways in which humanity is obsessed with trying to prove what their eyes see as much as they can, even if the act comes at the expense of nature.
Character Development
Furthermore, the film’s ending also serves as an opportunity for viewers to understand the development of its characters, particularly the two siblings. They see how the two journey through and juggle preserving their family’s legacy and their personal aspirations. It showcases themes, such as identity, resilience, and legacy.
Also, Cultural Commentary
This section may digress from the rest here, but it is also interesting to note how “Nope” also serves as an effective cultural commentary. First, as you can see, many of the characters are Black, a community known to struggle for recognition and respect in human history, as well as the struggle for power.
To summarize this concise explanation, you realize that “Nope” is a culmination of discussions on the exploitation of nature and human resilience. The reveal of the UFO’s true form represents the movie’s thought-provoking and disturbing conclusion. The UFO may be the villain, but you can realize that humanity’s response to what they perceive as threats from nature is also evil in itself.
What Is ‘Nope’ Really About?
The ending of “Nope” is pretty straightforward. It may be adventure, horror, thriller, and sci-fi rolled into one, but it is still entertaining. As you have understood above, there may be a deeper meaning to the final scenes and to the flick, generally speaking.
You can rewatch and stream “Nope” now on Netflix, Google Play, and Apple TV.
