Cults, Celebrities, and Conspiracies Await in ‘Opus’

A24 has released the official trailer for Opus, an enigmatic thriller from debut writer-director Mark Anthony Green, ahead of its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on 27 January 2025. Starring Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich, the film promises a gripping exploration of obsession, celebrity, and the dark side of human ambition. Opus is set for a theatrical release in the United States on 14 March 2025.

The film follows Ariel Ecton, played by rising star Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), a young writer invited to the secluded compound of Alfred Moretti (Malkovich), a legendary pop star who vanished from the public eye three decades ago. As Ariel becomes enmeshed in Moretti’s web of sycophants and overindulgent reporters, she realises she is a pawn in his unsettling master plan. The trailer teases a world of opulence and intrigue, where the allure of fame conceals sinister undercurrents.

Mark Anthony Green’s feature debut promises to explore the intersections of power and vulnerability within the entertainment industry. Green, who also penned the screenplay, has reportedly crafted a psychological thriller that captures the obsession with celebrity culture and its ability to blur reality and manipulation. The film’s premise resonates with contemporary discussions about the exploitative nature of fame and the psychological toll it takes on both fans and stars.

The supporting cast features Juliette Lewis (Natural Born Killers), Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus), Amber Midthunder (Prey), Stephanie Suganami, and Young Mazino (Beef), adding depth to the story’s layered exploration of loyalty and betrayal. Tommy Maddox-Upshaw’s cinematography, paired with a score by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans, heightens the film’s atmospheric tension.

Produced by Makeready and Macro Film Studios, and distributed by A24, Opus is already looking to be a standout addition to the studio’s offerings for early 2025. Its Sundance debut will set the stage for what looks to be one of this year’s most talked-about thrillers.

We’ll share more information on the release as it comes.

Opus trailer