Celebrity Obsession Turns Deadly in Opus Trailer Starring Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich

The much-anticipated psychological thriller Opus from writer-director Mark Anthony Green is set to make its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2025. The film, distributed by A24, promises to take audiences on a haunting exploration of celebrity obsession and its eerie consequences. Ahead of its theatrical release on March 14, 2025, the official trailer has been unveiled, giving fans a glimpse into this tense and atmospheric story.

The Plot: An Invitation to the Edge of Sanity

In Opus, Ayo Edebiri stars as Ariel Ecton, a young and ambitious magazine writer whose life takes an unexpected turn when she’s invited to the remote compound of Alfred Moretti, a legendary pop star portrayed by the iconic John Malkovich. Moretti, who mysteriously vanished from the public eye three decades ago, has decided to make his grand reemergence with a listening party for an intimate group of journalists and his fiercely loyal followers.

As Ariel navigates the eerie world of Moretti’s compound, she is drawn into a labyrinth of twisted motives and unsettling revelations. Surrounded by a cult-like group of sycophants and intoxicated journalists, she begins to unravel the pop star’s sinister plan. The film delicately balances moments of psychological terror with biting commentary on the lengths society will go to in the name of celebrity worship.

A Stellar Cast Brings the Tale to Life

Opus boasts an impressive ensemble cast that elevates its gripping narrative. Alongside Edebiri and Malkovich, the film features performances by:

• Juliette Lewis (Natural Born Killers)
• Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus)
• Amber Midthunder (Prey)
• Stephanie Suganami (Snowfall)
• Young Mazino (Beef)
• Tatanka Means (Killers of the Flower Moon)

Each actor brings depth and nuance to the film’s complex characters, from Moretti’s zealous inner circle to the journalists teetering on the brink of professional and personal collapse.

The event of the century. OPUS trailer drops Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/PtJ7XdaFkq

— A24 (@A24) January 17, 2025

A Creative Visionary Makes His Mark

Mark Anthony Green, a celebrated writer making his directorial debut, both penned and directed Opus. Known for his thought-provoking commentary on modern culture, Green infuses the film with sharp insights into fame, power, and the human psyche.

The film’s haunting visuals, captured by cinematographer Tommy Maddox-Upshaw (The Underground Railroad), heighten the sense of unease, while the evocative score by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans (Ozark) adds an additional layer of tension. Produced by Collin Creighton, Brad Weston, Poppy Hanks, Jelani Johnson, and Josh Bachove, Opus is a collaboration between Makeready and Macro Film Studios.

Themes That Resonate

At its core, Opus is more than a horror film; it’s a meditation on the cult of celebrity and the dangers of idolatry. The story challenges audiences to question the price of fame and the consequences of placing celebrities on pedestals. Through Ariel’s journey, viewers are invited to confront the darker side of their own obsessions and the blurred boundaries between admiration and exploitation.

Anticipation Builds

Since its announcement, Opus has generated considerable buzz in both the horror and indie film communities. Fans of psychological thrillers are particularly excited to see Ayo Edebiri in a leading dramatic role, showcasing her versatility after breakout performances in The Bear and Bottoms.

Critics have already speculated that the film could be one of the standout horror releases of 2025, with its mix of social commentary and psychological intrigue setting it apart from typical genre fare.

When and Where to Watch

Opus will have its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2025. Following its festival debut, the film will open in theaters nationwide on March 14, 2025. With A24 at the helm of its distribution, audiences can expect Opus to be a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

With its compelling premise, stellar cast, and a creative team poised to make a statement, Opus is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of the year. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, incisive cultural critiques, or simply a lover of well-crafted cinema, this is one release you won’t want to miss.