Remakes and reboots aren’t required to adhere strictly to the plots or character arcs of their original counterparts. A prime example is Jordan Peele’s innovative take on the classic film Jaws—though calling it a direct remake might be misleading. His 2022 release, Nope, serves as a spiritual successor to Steven Spielberg’s iconic thriller, despite having its own unique setting and featuring neither sharks nor beaches.
While Nope may not fit neatly within the horror genre, the tension and dread it instills in viewers is unparalleled. Many directors have drawn inspiration from Jaws, yet none have managed to capture its essence quite like Peele in his homage to cosmic horror.
The Connection Between Jaws and Nope
The links between Jaws and Nope are immediately apparent from their core premises. Each film follows a small group of individuals attempting to combat a mysterious, man-eating menace. Jaws opts for a grounded approach, portraying a shark as the antagonistic force, while in Nope, the threat manifests as a colossal UFO, later disclosed to be a giant predatory entity. This element also recalls Spielberg’s alien-centric thriller Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which aligns with Peele’s admiration for Spielberg’s work.
Character Parallels Between Nope and Jaws
The strength of a narrative often lies in its characters more than its storyline, which is possibly why reviewers have dubbed Nope as “Space Jaws.” OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Em (Keke Palmer) embody fractured versions of Chief Brody from Jaws, taking it upon themselves to thwart a lethal force threatening their ranch and community. While Brody partners with oceanic expert Hooper, OJ and Em enlist Angel Torres, an electronics retail associate, who aids them by installing surveillance equipment and becomes a valuable ally. Both Hooper and Torres place their lives in jeopardy, using themselves as bait—one submerged in a cage under the ocean, the other ensnared in barbed wire as literal bait for the alien predator.
The most striking character comparison can be made between Quint and Antlers Holst from Nope. The rugged veteran nature documentarian shares a storytelling style and deep voice reminiscent of the seasoned shark hunter in Jaws. Another significant character analog is Amity Island’s Mayor Larry Vaughn, who bears similarities to Jupe in Nope. Portrayed by Steven Yeun, Jupe seeks to monetize the UFO phenomenon and transform it into a spectacle, akin to how Vaughn prioritizes tourism and financial gain over the safety of his community amidst the threat of a man-eating shark.
Peele’s Utilization of Suspense Elements from Jaws
It’s a common tactic for films to rehash elements from beloved classics like Jaws, resulting in a plethora of imitators that followed the initial blockbuster. However, Nope sets itself apart from other derivatives, such as Meg or Deep Blue Sea, through Peele’s masterful employment of suspense and horror tropes. Spielberg excelled at building suspense by largely withholding the shark from view, a technique Peele mirrors by never fully disclosing the actual creature in Nope‘s promotional materials. Instead, the audience is gradually introduced to a cloud, ultimately revealed to be a jellyfish-like being hovering above the ground. By concealing the monsters, both filmmakers instill a enduring sense of anxiety, driven by the fear of the unknown.
Fans of Jaws can spot numerous tributes cleverly woven throughout Nope. Both films introduce their monsters in strikingly similar manners; Jaws opens from the shark’s perspective beneath the water, while Nope includes a scene from within the alien’s mouth. Each movie commences with fatalities attributed to an unseen force. A clever nod occurs when Jupe’s children prank OJ using alien outfits, paralleling the beach chaos caused by two youngsters wielding plastic shark fins in Jaws. Additionally, the shark is tagged with bright yellow barrels, and an analogous motif is seen in Nope where colorful flags adorn a horse mannequin intended to lure the alien.
Nope: Beyond References and Homages
The influences from Spielberg extend beyond just Jaws or Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Nope also pays homage to Jurassic Park and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, alongside nods to classics such as M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs, the original 1933 King Kong, The Wizard of Oz, and Neon Genesis Evangelion. Not to forget, there’s a clear reference to The Shining with the scene of blood pouring down onto the ranch house.
Nevertheless, Jordan Peele showcases his distinctiveness by transcending mere homages and clichés. His film presents a broader commentary on humanity’s insatiable chase for spectacle and the exploitative nature inherent in it. The unsettling Gordy the Chimp incident adds a further narrative depth, juxtaposing a tragic event within a context reminiscent of a Saturday Night Live-type show.
Ultimately, Nope’s Jean Jacket embodies the essence of Jaws‘ famed shark, soaring through the skies. Peele’s approach is direct; as the assumed UFO reveals its sentient, monstrous nature complete with its own set of jaws. In both cinematic milestones, these jaws meet their end in similarly explosive fashion—one via a compressed air tank and the other with a helium balloon.
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