Opus (2025) Review: A Bold Horror Satire That Misses Its Mark in USA
A Stylish Attempt at Satire and Horror
Mark Anthony Green’s directorial debut, Opus, sets out to be a sharp commentary on celebrity culture while delivering a psychological horror movie experience. With A24’s signature production quality, the film boasts a visually stunning aesthetic, but ultimately, its ambitions outweigh its execution.
Plot: Fame, Fear, and Cult Obsession
Ariel Ecton (Ayo Edebiri), a struggling journalist, finally gets a big break when she’s invited to an exclusive event at the remote desert estate of Alfred Moretti (John Malkovich), a once-legendary pop icon making a long-awaited comeback. Alongside other media personalities—including her manipulative boss (Murray Bartlett) and a charismatic TV host (Juliette Lewis)—Ariel quickly realizes Moretti’s compound operates like a cult, complete with eerie rituals, enforced isolation, and an unsettling obsession with creative purity.
Ayo Edebiri Shines in a Mixed Bag of Performances in USA
Edebiri delivers an outstanding performance, bringing emotional depth to Ariel’s journey from skeptical journalist to terrified survivor. Malkovich’s portrayal of Moretti, a bizarre blend of Prince and Elton John, leans more toward camp than menace, making it difficult for the film’s horror elements to fully take hold.
Opus Heavy-Handed Influences, Weak Originality in USA
While Opus aspires to be a fresh take on horror and satire, it leans too heavily on its inspirations. Echoes of Get Out, Midsommar, and The Menu are evident, but rather than building on these influences, the film feels derivative. The psychological horror elements lack real tension, and its commentary on celebrity worship, while intriguing, doesn’t bring anything new to the conversation.
Opus A Confused Genre Blend in USA
One of Opus’s biggest struggles is its identity. It attempts to be a horror, a satire, and a musical all at once but never fully commits to any of these genres. The film’s musical sequences, though visually striking, feel out of place, while the horror elements fail to deliver the gut-wrenching suspense expected from a movie exploring cult dynamics.
Final Verdict: Ambitious But Unfocused
While Opus features stylish cinematography and a standout lead performance, it ultimately falls short of its lofty ambitions. Mark Anthony Green shows potential as a filmmaker, but this debut effort feels more like a collection of intriguing ideas rather than a cohesive, groundbreaking film. With stronger direction and a clearer genre focus, his next project could truly shine.
Key Takeaways:
- 🎭 Strong Lead Performance – Ayo Edebiri carries the film with her depth and charisma.
- 🎬 Visually Stunning – The cinematography and production design are top-tier.
- 📝 Derivative Storytelling – Too many borrowed elements make Opus feel unoriginal.
- 🎶 Unclear Genre Identity – A mix of horror, satire, and musical that doesn’t quite blend.
- ⭐ Final Score: 6/10 – A visually impressive but ultimately unsatisfying experience.
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