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A life long cinephile from the Bay Area in Northern California. Aside from having written for various outlets since 2019, I've been podcasting since 2020.
(Currently Co-Hosting the Geekly Goods Roundup)
When I'm not indulged in a ridiculous amount of media consumption or losing track of days working 2 jobs, I can be found at concerts, playing basketball, or training in Mixed Martial Arts.
When searched on Google, the term “magnum opus” is defined as a great work of art or literature. It is usually regarded as the most important work of an artist. I wish that definition could be applicable at any point going forward. The A24-distributed film stars Ayo Edebiri as a journalist who gets invited to a private listening party of a legendary musician named Moretti (John Malkovich), an eccentric David Bowie-type of rockstar. Making his feature directorial debut with Opus, filmmaker Mark Anthony Green establishes an interesting concept. He touches on some intriguing reflections of obsessive fanbases but doesn’t really dig deep enough, nor does his story live up to its epic title.
A24’s Opus Synopsis
According to A24 Press, here is the synopsis for Mark Anthony Green’s Opus.
A young writer (Ayo Edebiri) is invited to the remote compound of a legendary pop star (John Malkovich) who mysteriously disappeared thirty years ago. Surrounded by the star’s cult of sycophants and intoxicated journalists, she finds herself in the middle of his twisted plan.
A24 Press
A Rising Star
Edebiri is an outstanding talent who has won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance in FX’s critically acclaimed comedy-drama series, The Bear. Along with some excellent voiceover work in a few animated features, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and Inside Out 2, she also flexed her comedic muscles in Emma Seligman’s girl fight club romp, Bottoms. Her star power has been steadily rising, so I personally was ecstatic to hear she was the star of Opus. Unfortunately, despite her efforts, Green’s screenplay does not do her any justice.
Edebiri’s performance as journalist Ariel Ecton is fine, but there isn’t much depth to her character. Moreover, all of the film’s characters are surface level and criminally underused. Specifically, I’m looking at the amazing Juliette Lewis, who didn’t get a whole lot to do here. Her character, Clara Armstrong, is nearly non-existent, with few lines insofar that it could be considered a cameo. By comparison, Ariel is seen as hardworking and eager to have her chance to shine. She also seems to be the only person with any sense once we get to the secret compound of the musical icon Moretti. This fact paired with the shocking lack of tension are just one of many things that unfortunately bring the film down.
A Stylish Mirage
Opus delivers on some brilliant visual framing and blocking. Director of Photography Tommy Maddox-Upshaw (Empire, Snowfall, White Men Can’t Jump remake) has a keen eye for some stunning shots. The costume design by Shirley Kurata is also fantastic. Kurata crafted some eye-popping outfits for Moretti and his cult-like devotees. However, for as sharp as everything looks, there just isn’t a whole lot going on. John Malkovich as Moretti is weird and quirky. Sometimes it is a little fun to watch him do his thing, but even Moretti himself falls flat once we arrive at his ultimate conclusion. He lacked motivation or had anything profound about what he was doing or why he was doing them. This leaves the audience unfulfilled, as if his actions weren’t really thought out.
There is a noticeably severe lack of thrill and a disappointing lack of horror. We have an idolized music star with a cult-like following and not much else. Cult concepts have seen better days. Clearly filmmaker Mark Anthony Green definitely has a sense of style. Initially, he showcases the ability to craft an infectious vibe. The problem, then, is that he didn’t go anywhere with it. Sometimes good story ideas end up not having a lot to say. Despite Malkovich and Edebiri’s best intentions, Opus is just lacking. Period.
2/5 stars
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A life long cinephile from the Bay Area in Northern California. Aside from having written for various outlets since 2019, I've been podcasting since 2020.
(Currently Co-Hosting the Geekly Goods Roundup)
When I'm not indulged in a ridiculous amount of media consumption or losing track of days working 2 jobs, I can be found at concerts, playing basketball, or training in Mixed Martial Arts.
