Nope (2022)

NOPE is a horror movie about a group of residents in a small town who witness a strange and chilling discovery. The plot follows the residents as they attempt to understand what is happening and why. As they piece together the puzzle, they realize that they are not alone in this strange situation.

There may be some good ideas in NOPE if only it wasn’t so boring. The cast is talented but the writing and directing are so dull. The movie tries to be a scary mystery but it’s just not very interesting. The pacing is agonisingly slow and the characters are unlikeable. The action is nonexistent and the ending is unsatisfying. The cinematography and special effects of the climactic moments are pretty good, but they’re not enough to save this film.

Jordan Peele, who wrote and directed NOPE, has done some great work before when he brought us GET OUT (2017) and US (2019). Unfortunately, NOPE is a big step down from those films.

Peele has said that NOPE is “a love letter to horror fans”. However, this movie is more likely to send them running for the exits. Say nope to NOPE and watch something else instead.

(In cinemas in Australia – check your movie guide for your local show times.)