Opus is the Strange Entertainment Only John Malkovich Can Bring

Opus

★ ★ ★ ½

Opus begins with the return of fictional pop icon Alfred Moretti (John Malkovich). He disappeared 30 years ago after his last successful tour. Ariel Ecton (Ayo Edebiri) is an aspiring journalist who struggles to get career traction. Stan Sullivan (Murray Bartlett), her boss, likes her ideas but assigns other journalists to work them.

Alfred’s return comes with a new album, something that causes his fans to lose their minds. I imagine it would be similar to if all The Beatles were still alive and suddenly came out of retirement with a new LP in tow. He invites a very select few – journalists and other media professionals – to visit his compound deep in the Utah desert. They’ll be the first to hear his new music.

The listening party
© 2025 A24

Ariel and Stan receive invitations. The other invites go to shock jock Bill Lotto (Mark Sivertsen), talk show host Cara Armstrong (Juliette Lewis) and social media influencer Emily Katz (Stephanie Suganami). They take a private flight to Utah where they’re met by Jorg (Peter Diseth), one of Alfred’s loyal followers.

At Alfred’s compound, his followers call themselves “Levelists.” This is clearly a cult, and Ariel intends to investigate further. Stan wants her to take notes, so he can write the article. She tries to convince him to let her write a companion piece. Ariel is very suspicious of Alfred, the Levelists and the goings on at the compound. The other guests are more enamored with Alfred’s return.

Ayo Edebiri as Ariel
© 2025 A24

It’s no secret that some mega-stars are mega-strange. Many have joined cult-like groups and religions. There’s no shortage of weirdness in showbiz, and it’s on full display in Opus. The more Ariel uncovers, the more bizarre the film gets.

This isn’t unfamiliar territory. We’ve seen movies like this before. But this movie tells the story effectively and goes off the rails at just the right time. It’s really well done.

John Malkovich as Alfred Moretti
© 2025 A24

Of course, Malkovich steals the show, playing the mega-star turned religious guru as only he can. Malkovich is deviously fantastic every time he steps on screen. Edebiri presents a very sympathetic Ariel, a character just trying to find her way and ignite her career. You’ll certainly be seeing more of her. She’s a solid actress.

Despite the familiar content, and a bit of predictability, Opus takes you on a ride that’s both trippy and engaging.