Jordan Peele‘s 2022 sci-fi horror film Nope has emerged as a streaming hit, securing the seventh position on Peacock’s list of the top 10 most-watched movies. The film’s success on the platform highlights its lasting appeal months after its theatrical release, standing alongside other popular titles like The Woman in the Yard, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and Despicable Me 3.
A Unique Storyset on a Remote California Ranch
Nope tells the story of siblings OJ and Emerald Haywood, who inherit their family’s horse-rental business after their father’s sudden death. Located in an isolated part of California, their ranch becomes the epicenter of strange occurrences involving an unidentified flying object that preys on their horses. The Haywoods enlist tech salesman Angel Torres and documentarian Antlers Holst to try to capture evidence of the mysterious entity hovering above their land. This plot injects a blend of horror and science fiction with a Western ranch setting, offering a narrative that explores both fear and the human desire to document extraordinary phenomena.
“After random objects falling from the sky result in the death of their father, ranch-owning siblings OJ and Emerald Haywood attempt to capture video evidence of an unidentified flying object with the help of tech salesman Angel Torres and documentarian Antlers Holst.”
—Rotten Tomatoes synopsis
A Stellar Ensemble Cast and Creative Team
Released by Universal Pictures in July 2022, the film features lead performances by Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer as the Haywood siblings. The cast also includes notable actors such as Steven Yeun, Keith David, Michael Wincott, Brandon Perea, Wrenn Schmidt, Barbie Ferreira, and Osgood Perkins. Behind the camera, accomplished professionals like Oscar-winning cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema provided visually striking imagery, while composer Michael Abels crafted the atmospheric score that intensifies the film’s eerie tone.
Box Office Success and Mixed Critical Reception
While Nope did not reach the same blockbuster heights as Peele’s previous movies Get Out and Us, it remains a financial success. With a production budget of $68 million, it grossed over $171 million worldwide. Upon its release weekend, it notably surpassed the opening record set by Us. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds an 83% critic approval rating, reflecting positive critical reception. However, the audience score is somewhat lower at 69%, indicating mixed reactions among viewers. This contrasts with higher audience scores for Peele’s earlier works, where Get Out boasts an 86% approval and Us 61%.
Encouraging Thought-Provoking Interpretations
Nope distinguishes itself from typical horror and sci-fi films by encouraging audiences to engage with deeper themes rather than relying on conventional scares. The film’s tone is contemplative, inviting viewers to reflect on spectacle, trauma, and the commodification of fear. Its opening scene, in particular, has sparked debate. It depicts a violent on-set incident involving an acting chimpanzee named Gordy, who lashes out during a sitcom production, leading to a massacre. Amid the chaos, a child survivor is shown observing a mysteriously balanced shoe, a symbolic image that Jordan Peele has addressed but remains widely interpreted.
This layered approach makes Nope a divisive experience, with some viewers appreciating the abstract storytelling, while others find the mysticism confusing. The film challenges typical horror storytelling by prioritizing atmosphere and concept over straightforward narratives, asking audiences to contemplate the nature of observation and spectacle.
Lasting Impact and Streaming Popularity
The ongoing popularity of Nope on Peacock’s streaming service demonstrates its enduring resonance with the public. Its position in the top 10 highlights interest in Jordan Peele’s work beyond the box office, as viewers seek films that combine genre thrills with deeper social commentary. The movie’s themes and artistic craftsmanship suggest that it will continue to inspire analysis and discussion among critics and fans alike.
By bridging entertainment with thought-provoking content, Nope cements Jordan Peele’s reputation as a filmmaker who pushes boundaries, and its streaming success points to a sustained appetite for films that engage audiences on multiple levels.
