The movie Opus shares eerie similarities with other arty horror films popularized by A24, such as Heretic and Ex Machina. It tells the story of eccentric musician Alfred Moretti, who invites a select few to his private compound for a lavish weekend listening party. However, this setup is actually a vehicle for exploring the world of magazine journalism and its interactions with celebrity culture.
Opus follows junior reporter Ariel Ecton, played by Ayo Edebiri, as she attends this exclusive event. As an outsider among insiders, the viewer is put in her shoes, experiencing the VIP treatment firsthand. Through Ariel’s perspective, writer-director Mark Anthony Green critiques the superficiality of celebrity culture and the role of magazine writers who cover it.
The film delves into themes of identity, ego, and the blurred lines between observing and participating when covering celebrities. The movie features a mix of satire, drama, and thriller elements, but its execution falls short due to relying on clichéd horror tropes. A notable exception is John Malkovich’s portrayal of Alfred Moretti, who brings both humor and menace to the role.
Opus’ strongest moments lie in its exploration of questions surrounding fame and cults. These brief, thought-provoking scenes are overshadowed by the easily recognizable A24 brand of horror. Overall, while Opus does offer some interesting commentary on celebrity culture, it fails to dare enough to leave a lasting impact.
Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/opus-review-ayo-edebiri-john-malkovich-a24