Jordan Peele’s Nope is a multi-layered film that explores themes of spectacle, trauma, and the human desire for control, often through the lens of science fiction and horror. One of the most unsettling and cryptic moments in the film revolves around a monkey, which initially seems like an odd and random inclusion. However, upon deeper examination, this scene becomes one of the most significant in the film. Peele, known for his meticulous attention to detail, uses this scene not only to provide backstory but also to comment on the nature of exploitation, the spectacle of violence, and the complexity of trauma.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the monkey scene in Nope, analyzing its symbolism, emotional weight, and thematic relevance to the rest of the film.
The Monkey Scene: A Shockingly Unsettling Moment
The Nope monkey scene takes place in a flashback sequence involving the character of Jupe (played by Steven Yeun), a former child star who runs a Western-themed ranch that offers an attraction based on his past work. The sequence shows a time when Jupe was part of a sitcom called Gordy’s Home, which starred a capuchin monkey named Gordy.
The scene begins innocuously enough with the filming of a scene from the show. Jupe, along with his co-stars, is seen in a typical domestic setting, acting alongside Gordy the monkey, who seems to be part of the family. However, the tranquility of the moment is abruptly shattered when Gordy, who has been trained for a long period for the show, suddenly becomes violent. The unexpected outburst results in chaos, leaving viewers to wonder what prompted this primal reaction.
It is in this flashback that Peele introduces the central idea of the monkey scene—violence, both human and animal, as a form of spectacle and exploitation. The trauma caused by this incident becomes the driving force behind Jupe’s character arc, influencing his later actions in the film.
The Significance of Gordy’s Outburst
To understand the full impact of the monkey scene, it’s important to recognize the broader themes Peele addresses. At its core, the monkey scene is about the consequences of treating animals (and humans, in some cases) as mere objects of entertainment and spectacle. Gordy, the capuchin monkey, has been used for years as a source of laughter and joy for audiences, but when the conditions become too much for him, he reacts violently.
What’s particularly jarring about the scene is the lack of agency for Gordy. He is trained, restrained, and treated as a tool for the benefit of others. This dynamic speaks to larger societal issues of exploitation—whether in Hollywood, where animals and children are often treated as props, or more broadly in the entertainment industry, where people are commodified for the sake of spectacle. Gordy’s outburst can be seen as a desperate act of reclaiming power in a situation where he is otherwise powerless.
The violence in this scene also underscores a recurring theme in Nope: the destructive nature of spectacle. The show’s producers, along with the audience members, are more focused on the entertainment value of Gordy’s performance than on his wellbeing. This obsession with spectacle at the expense of the participants’ humanity (or animality) is a critique of how society often uses others for its own gain without considering the toll it takes on them.
The Emotional Weight of the Monkey Scene
While the immediate shock value of the monkey scene is undeniable, its emotional impact is felt later in the film when Jupe reflects on the traumatic event from his past. The film hints that the aftermath of Gordy’s rampage has left a lasting scar on Jupe’s psyche. He continues to carry the weight of the trauma from the incident, though he tries to suppress it by capitalizing on the very thing that caused him pain—his past as a child actor and the use of another spectacle, albeit much darker.
Jupe’s approach to trauma can be seen in how he deals with the violent memory of Gordy. Rather than confronting it or attempting to make amends, Jupe seeks to control and profit from the spectacle that caused his own pain. This is evident in his current endeavors, where he exploits the memory of the incident by using the horrific event as part of a theme park attraction. Jupe’s refusal to acknowledge the true impact of his trauma leads him to recreate a similarly violent spectacle with the alien creature that is central to the plot of Nope.
This emotional weight ties into the broader theme of unresolved trauma throughout the film. Jupe, much like the characters OJ and Emerald, is grappling with the ghosts of his past, but rather than confronting them head-on, he tries to control them. This leads to dangerous consequences, as the trauma never truly fades—it only transforms into something more monstrous and uncontrollable.
The Role of Jupe in the Monkey Scene
Jupe’s character is key to understanding the deeper meaning of the monkey scene. As a child actor, he witnessed firsthand the violent outburst from Gordy and survived the horrific aftermath. But Jupe’s experience with trauma is complicated by his desire for recognition and control. Jupe, much like other characters in the film, is obsessed with capturing the perfect spectacle, even if it comes at the cost of his own psychological health.
By focusing so heavily on the theme of spectacle, Peele critiques not only the entertainment industry’s exploitation of animals and humans but also the toxic obsession with fame and validation. Jupe’s inability to let go of his past performance on Gordy’s Home becomes a key part of his character arc. His attempt to repeat the cycle of exploiting trauma for profit is a tragic reflection of how individuals often seek validation, even if it means revisiting and amplifying their darkest moments.
When Jupe later attempts to tame or control the alien, just as he did with Gordy’s violent outburst, it highlights the destructive power of spectacle. The monster, much like Gordy, cannot be contained. And Jupe’s failure to recognize this truth leads to his ultimate demise.
Connecting the Monkey Scene to the Overall Narrative of Nope
While the monkey scene is a distinct flashback, it holds profound relevance to the overall story of Nope. The film is fundamentally concerned with the consequences of spectacle and the commodification of trauma, both of which are embodied in the events involving Gordy the monkey.
OJ and Emerald, the protagonists, also deal with the allure of spectacle, particularly when they attempt to capture footage of the alien creature that is wreaking havoc on their ranch. Like Jupe, they are drawn to the spectacle, but they approach it with more caution. The film contrasts Jupe’s obsession with fame and spectacle with OJ and Emerald’s more grounded and respectful approach to the same pursuit. This tension between exploitation and respect is central to the film’s commentary on how people interact with the unknown and the dangerous.
Furthermore, the alien itself can be seen as a reflection of Gordy’s primal rage. Both represent forces of nature that, when pushed to the brink, can lash out violently. The aliens are not just otherworldly creatures; they are representations of the very spectacle that the characters are attempting to control. Just as the filmmakers of Gordy’s Home tried to tame a wild animal for the sake of entertainment, the characters of Nope attempt to harness the alien for their own purposes—without fully understanding the consequences.
Conclusion
The monkey scene in Nope is not just a moment of shock; it is a pivotal part of the film that informs both character development and thematic exploration. Through the violence of Gordy’s outburst, Jordan Peele explores the destructive nature of spectacle, the lasting effects of trauma, and the exploitation of living beings for entertainment. Gordy’s rage is not just a random act of violence; it is a commentary on the limits of control and the inevitable backlash that occurs when beings are commodified.
The emotional resonance of the monkey scene is felt throughout the film, especially in the characters of Jupe, OJ, and Emerald. Each of them grapples with the repercussions of spectacle in their own way, and the shadow of Gordy’s violence looms large over their actions. By highlighting this trauma, Peele offers a powerful critique of how society treats both animals and humans as mere commodities in the pursuit of fame, control, and entertainment.
In the end, the monkey scene serves as a crucial touchstone for the broader narrative of Nope, encapsulating its central themes and providing the emotional and thematic depth that makes the film so thought-provoking and impactful.
Related topics:
