Horror musicals are rare, but Opus takes the challenge head-on, delivering an eerie, unsettling experience that blends psychological terror with hypnotic melodies. Premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, this A24 release has quickly become one of the most talked-about films of the year. Directed by Mark Anthony Green, Opus follows a journalist who gets more than she bargained for when she attends an exclusive album listening event hosted by a reclusive pop legend. But does this musical horror film hit the right notes? Let’s dive in our Opus review.
*Note: Spoilers ahead!*
Opus Plot Summary: A Listening Party Gone Wrong
Ariel Ecton (Ayo Edebiri), a young journalist hungry for her next big story, receives an invitation to an intimate listening event at the secluded estate of legendary musician Alfred Moretti (John Malkovich). Moretti, once a groundbreaking pop icon, has been in isolation for years, working on what he calls his ultimate masterpiece.
At first, Ariel is thrilled by the opportunity, but as the night unfolds, something feels off. Moretti’s presence is unnerving, the guests seem strangely devoted, and the music itself has an unsettling effect. As the hypnotic melodies play, Ariel begins to experience terrifying visions and unsettling déjà vu. Reality blurs, paranoia sets in, and she realizes that this isn’t just an album—it’s something far more sinister.
The deeper Ariel digs, the more she discovers Moretti’s disturbing past and the true purpose of his opus. But will she escape before she becomes part of the music?
Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich Deliver Standout Performances
- Ayo Edebiri as Ariel Ecton – Known for her comedic brilliance in The Bear, Edebiri makes a striking shift to horror. Her performance as Ariel is layered, capturing both her ambition and growing dread as she unravels Moretti’s mystery.
- John Malkovich as Alfred Moretti – Malkovich is magnetic as the eccentric and sinister pop star. His portrayal of Moretti is both mesmerizing and deeply unsettling, making it impossible to look away—even when you want to.
- Supporting Cast – Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, and Amber Midthunder round out the cast, each bringing depth to their roles as guests entangled in Moretti’s eerie world.
Music That Chills to the Bone
A horror musical is only as strong as its soundtrack, and Opus doesn’t disappoint. With Nile Rodgers and The-Dreamcrafting the film’s haunting soundscape, the music becomes more than just background—it’s a character in itself. The songs feel hypnotic, eerie, and unsettlingly beautiful, reinforcing the film’s themes of celebrity obsession and media manipulation.
From haunting ballads to pulse-pounding beats, the soundtrack lingers long after the credits roll which proves that music can be just as terrifying as silence.
Themes and Social Commentary: The Dark Side of Fame
Beyond the horror, Opus dives deep into modern celebrity culture. The film explores:
- The cult of fame – Moretti’s devoted followers blur the line between admiration and fanaticism.
- The power of media: Ariel’s role as a journalist highlights how narratives are shaped and controlled.
- The cost of artistic genius: Moretti’s obsession with his opus raises questions about how far artists will go to achieve greatness.
These themes make Opus more than just a horror film—it’s a sharp commentary on our own obsession with fame and the myths we build around celebrities.
Final Thoughts: A Unique Genre Blend That Sticks with You
With its gripping performances, hypnotic soundtrack, and unsettling atmosphere, Opus cements itself as a standout in the musical horror film genre. Ayo Edebiri shines in her first major horror role, while John Malkovich delivers one of his most chilling performances.
For fans of horror, psychological thrillers, and eerie musical storytelling, Opus is a must-watch. It’s disturbing, stylish, and thought-provoking—exactly what you’d expect from an A24 release.
What do you think? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss Opus!
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