Opus

This had good potential and John Malkovich can usually be relied upon when eccentricity is needed, but the rest of this is an incomplete and rather messy reminder of Midsommar meets Ten Little Indians. He is the reclusive pop star Moretti who announces after almost thirty years away, that he is to release his comeback album. The industry goes wild for this news and when he announces his own version of a golden ticket and invites a select group to join him for an exclusive get together at his ranch, the enthusiast journalist Ariel (Ayo Edebiri) accompanies her limelight hogging boss to this ultimate weekend. Of course, as soon as she arrives she finds the place akin to a cult. Loads of almost automaton acolytes, some cruelly painful oyster s...

Director Mark Anthony Greens Opus is an ambitious but uneven satirical horror-thriller that bites off more than it can chew. Centered on a young journalist named Ariel (Ayo Edebiri) who is invited to the secluded desert compound of a legendary pop star (John Malkovich) long thought to be missing, the film attempts to explore themes of celebrity worship, journalistic ethics, and the cult of fame. Unfortunately, despite its lofty aspirations, it never fully delivers on its big ideas.

The cast is terrific, and their hard work keeps everything from sinking completely. Edebiri is so relatable (and quite funny) as a rookie writer caught in a surreal and sinister game, while Malkovich (who is perfectly cast here) fully leans into his enigmatic,...