Opus

Opus is a horror thriller written and directed by Mark Anthony Green in his feature directorial debut, produced by A24. Green, formerly a GQ staff writer, crafted a darkly satirical story about celebrity worship and the music industry. The film stars Ayo Edebiri as Ariel Ecton, a young journalist, alongside John Malkovich as Alfred Moretti, a legendary pop superstar who vanished three decades ago. The ensemble cast includes Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Amber Midthunder, Tony Hale, Tatanka Means, and Young Mazino. The plot follows Moretti as he resurfaces after 30 years of seclusion to announce a new album and invites six guests to a listening party at his remote Utah compound: journalists, an influencer, a talk show host, a paparazza, and a shock jock. What begins as an exclusive media event spirals into something far more sinister as Moretti's twisted plans unfold and his cult-like inner circle reveals its true nature. Principal photography began in November 2023 on private property around Pojoaque, New Mexico, with the majority of the film shot at La Mesita Ranch Estate, a scenic property known for its dramatic desert landscapes. The New Mexico location doubled for the fictional Utah compound, providing the isolated, expansive feel the story demanded. The production utilized local New Mexico crew throughout the shoot. Opus premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2025, where it generated significant buzz, and received a wide theatrical release from A24 on March 14, 2025. The film proved divisive among critics, holding a 39% score on Rotten Tomatoes and 42 on Metacritic, though audiences were warmer with a 60% audience score. It grossed $2.2 million against a $10 million budget. The film later found a second life on streaming via Max.