Nope
The residents of a lonely gulch in inland California bear witness to an uncanny and chilling phenomenon.
Despite a respectable budget of $68.0M, Nope became a financial success, earning $170.8M worldwide—a 151% return.
42 wins & 179 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Nope (2022) exemplifies precise plot construction, characteristic of Jordan Peele's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 10 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (2% through the runtime) establishes OJ and Emerald Haywood work together training horses for Hollywood productions at their family ranch, Haywood's Hollywood Horses, following their father's recent death from a mysterious accident involving debris falling from the sky.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when The horses on the ranch react violently to something in the sky. OJ witnesses a massive, cloud-like presence that appears to be watching them, and the power goes out mysteriously, confirming something unnatural is above their property.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 31 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to OJ and Em make the active decision to capture "the Oprah shot" - definitive proof of the UFO on film - and commit to staying at the ranch despite the danger, transforming from passive victims to active hunters., moving from reaction to action.
At 66 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat The Jupiter's Claim massacre: the creature devours Jupe, his family, and the entire audience in a horrifying spectacle. The stakes are raised dramatically - this is not just about getting famous, it's about survival. The creature is far more dangerous than anticipated., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 97 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Holst is consumed by the creature while trying to get the "impossible shot," sacrificing himself for the image. The plan falls apart, equipment is destroyed, and the siblings are left alone and defenseless against the creature., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 104 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. OJ realizes the creature behaves like a territorial animal - it attacks when looked at directly. The siblings synthesize their knowledge: OJ's horse-training instincts combined with Em's understanding of spectacle. They develop a new plan using the creature's predatory nature against it., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Nope's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Nope against these established plot points, we can identify how Jordan Peele utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Nope within the horror genre.
Jordan Peele's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Jordan Peele films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Nope represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jordan Peele filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional horror films include Lake Placid, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Cat's Eye. For more Jordan Peele analyses, see Get Out.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
OJ and Emerald Haywood work together training horses for Hollywood productions at their family ranch, Haywood's Hollywood Horses, following their father's recent death from a mysterious accident involving debris falling from the sky.
Theme
Ricky "Jupe" Park tells his theme park audience about spectacle and the "impossible," foreshadowing the film's exploration of humanity's dangerous obsession with capturing the unexplainable on film.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of the Haywood ranch, their struggling business, OJ's trauma and introversion, Em's desire to leave, their family legacy as descendants of the first person ever filmed (the Black jockey on a horse), and introduction of Jupe's Jupiter's Claim theme park.
Disruption
The horses on the ranch react violently to something in the sky. OJ witnesses a massive, cloud-like presence that appears to be watching them, and the power goes out mysteriously, confirming something unnatural is above their property.
Resistance
OJ and Em debate what they've seen. Em is excited about the possibility of capturing proof and making money, while OJ is reluctant. They install security cameras with help from tech specialist Angel Torres, who becomes intrigued by their claims.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
OJ and Em make the active decision to capture "the Oprah shot" - definitive proof of the UFO on film - and commit to staying at the ranch despite the danger, transforming from passive victims to active hunters.
Mirror World
Introduction of Antlers Holst, the legendary cinematographer who represents the thematic counterpoint: someone who understands that some moments cannot and should not be captured, respecting the power of the impossible.
Premise
The siblings and Angel attempt to document the entity, learning its patterns and behaviors. Discovery that it's not a craft but a living creature. Jupe's tragic attempt to feed the creature with a live audience at his theme park, revealing his own obsession with spectacle stemming from childhood trauma.
Midpoint
The Jupiter's Claim massacre: the creature devours Jupe, his family, and the entire audience in a horrifying spectacle. The stakes are raised dramatically - this is not just about getting famous, it's about survival. The creature is far more dangerous than anticipated.
Opposition
The team regroups with cinematographer Holst, who insists on capturing the creature on film despite the danger. They develop a plan using analog cameras and decoys. The creature becomes more aggressive and territorial, stalking the ranch.
Collapse
Holst is consumed by the creature while trying to get the "impossible shot," sacrificing himself for the image. The plan falls apart, equipment is destroyed, and the siblings are left alone and defenseless against the creature.
Crisis
OJ and Em face their darkest moment, processing Holst's death and the failure of their plan. They must decide whether to flee or make one final stand, confronting what this obsession with spectacle has cost them.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
OJ realizes the creature behaves like a territorial animal - it attacks when looked at directly. The siblings synthesize their knowledge: OJ's horse-training instincts combined with Em's understanding of spectacle. They develop a new plan using the creature's predatory nature against it.
Synthesis
The finale: OJ uses himself as bait on horseback, drawing the creature out while Em uses an analog well camera to capture proof. The creature transforms into its true form - a massive flying predator. OJ sacrifices himself to save Em, who successfully photographs the creature as it's destroyed by a giant balloon.
Transformation
Em stands alone, having gotten the shot but at great cost. Unlike Jupe and Holst who died for spectacle, she and OJ honored the creature as something wild and dangerous. She nods to the TMZ reporter, acknowledging the photo but transformed by understanding what should and shouldn't be captured.