5 Things Opus Gets Right About Fame, Obsession & Power

Opus is not a film for the faint of heart. It’s a dizzying, genre-bending experience plunging you into a world where the lines between celebrity worship and outright madness blur. Think of a fever dream orchestrated by a twisted Willy Wonka with a dash of The Rocky Horror Picture Show thrown in for good measure, and you’ll start to get the picture. Director Mark Anthony Green, in his debut, has crafted a film that is as visually arresting as it is narratively daring. Here are the five aspects that truly resonated with me:

1. Acting: Edebiri and Malkovich in Rare Form

Ayo Edebiri’s portrayal of Ariel, the journalist navigating this bizarre landscape, is a revelation. She’s the everywoman, our relatable guide through the chaos. Edebiri avoids the usual horror tropes, delivering a grounded and authentic performance. Her growing obsession with the mysterious “Levelists” mirrored my own curiosity. She is the “final girl” that we all want to be.

I wanted to see a smart, strong Black woman—someone early in her career, flawed in some of her (Ariel) outlooks because of her youth, but with no doubt that she’d figure it out.She reminded me of so many Black women in my life, so many Black women I went to school with. -Mark Anthony Green

John Malkovich, as the enigmatic Moretti, is simply magnetic. He embodies the essence of a faded rock star, still radiating charisma and a touch of danger. This role feels tailor-made for him, tapping into the enigmatic persona that fans have long admired. When the darkness descends, Malkovich’s unnerving, unfazed reaction adds to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.

Amber Midthunder, as Belle, is a force of nature. She is Ariel’s concierge and at times bounty hunter, keeping her on a tight leash. Her performance is reminiscent of her role in Prey, showcasing a fierce determination that is both captivating and chilling.

2. Music: A Sonic Masterpiece by Rodgers and The-Dream

One particular highlight of the film is definitely the score. It’s not often that a film’s soundtrack is as integral to the story as the plot itself, but Opus achieves this seamlessly. Nile Rodgers and The-Dream not only compose the score, but also bring their signature sounds to the film with songs like “Dina Simone,” “Tomorrow My Love,” and my favorite track, “35 Millimeter.” These tracks define Moretti as the beloved and charismatic figure he is. Impressively, John Malkovich provides the vocals himself—and yes, that’s really him singing!

3. Cinematography: Visual Storytelling at Its Finest

Cinematography plays a crucial role in Opus, particularly in how it visually portrays Ariel’s transformation from an ignored young writer to someone deep in eerie unease. The film opens with a haunting elevator shot that isolates her—no dialogue needed, just the visual of her descending into the depths of a vast city. As she walks through the streets of New York, you feel the weight of her loneliness and the distance between herself and the spectacle that is about to unfold.

Some of the most striking shots include the compound’s ominous gates and the surreal bus ride to its secrets—it looks like a portal to Area 51, complete with obsessed fans waiting outside. For a directorial debut, Mark Anthony Green delivers impressive visual storytelling.

4. Media Message: The Cult of Fame Exposed

Opus delves into the dark side of celebrity worship. The “Levelists” are not mere fans; they are devotees, surrendering their identities to Moretti’s cult of personality. Ariel’s journey becomes a commentary on our modern media landscape, where idolization can morph into dangerous obsession. The film asks: how far will people go for fame, and what happens when that admiration turns toxic?

5. The Ending: Unsettling Yet Fitting

Without giving too much away, the ending left me in a mix of awe and unease. While it doesn’t wrap up in a traditionally satisfying way, it lingers—much like the film’s unsettling take on fandom and idolization. I imagine this will spark conversations about the intensity of celebrity devotion, something we’re already seeing play out in real-time with the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud, where fans are fiercely aligned with their favorite artist. Green touched on this in our interview with me. He stated “Michael Jackson once shared a story about being in a record store, where a crowd of kids pressed against the glass to see him. In the chaos, a woman was shoved through the glass, badly cut and bleeding. What struck him wasn’t just the injury—it was that no one stopped to help her. You could tell that, even at a young age, he was grappling with the surreal nature of his fame. He had never really known a life outside of it, never experienced what it was like to not be chased by fans. But what stood out to me was the question he asked: Why? Why was seeing him so important, so special, that a bleeding human went unnoticed?”

That question, to me, was incredibly insightful—thoughtful, yet unanswered. And in many ways, it feels like the very thesis of Opus, or at least one of the themes the film explores.”

Final Thoughts: A Bold and Unforgettable Experience

Opus is a cinematic experience that challenges conventions and pushes boundaries. It’s a genre-defying spectacle that will leave you questioning everything from the allure of fame to the power of storytelling. If you’re looking for a film that’s equal parts horror, satire, and social commentary, Opus is a journey worth taking. And you might just find yourself wondering when Moretti’s album will drop in real life. Catch Opus produced by A24 in theaters everywhere March 14th!