It’s Ayo Edebiri vs. John Malkovich in First Trailer for A24’s Psychological Horror Opus

Hey, so when you look at the weathered, eccentric visage of powerhouse actor John Malkovich, is your first thought something along the lines of “beloved pop star”? Because for the folks behind A24’s upcoming psychological horror film Opus, the answer was apparently yes, odd as that may feel. Don’t get us wrong: We’re as excited to anyone to see Malkovich at the height of his charismatic and manipulative powers, squaring off against The Bear‘s Ayo Edebiri in what could be another star-making performance. But … famous pop star? John Malkovich? I’m going to have to see the man performing a slick song-and-dance number at some point to sign off on that, which hopefully Opus will have the guts to provide. Who wouldn’t want to see the two-time Oscar nominee cut a rug?
Opus stars Edebiri as a young writer–presumably a music writer not far from the Paste mold–who unexpectedly receives an invitation, along with some other writers, to the compound of reclusive former music star Alfred Moretti (Malkovich). Moretti hasn’t been seen in the past 30 years, and has apparently been off building some kind of society of his own with a cadre of supporters. Seeing this in the flesh in the trailer below, it’s impossible not to think of a Jonestown-esque cult. Per the official synopsis, “surrounded by the star’s cult of sycophants and intoxicated journalists, she finds herself in the middle of his twisted plan.”
There are obvious allusions here to the likes of The Menu, another film that revolved around a powerful artist, played by an award-winning thespian actor (Ralph Fiennes), inviting people to a secluded location in order to menace them in the name of their art. Judging from the trailer below, though, it seems like Opus will descend a little deeper into the full-on madness of the place as the guests are sucked into its inescapable vortex. And … were those puppets or marionettes that popped up for a moment? It’s a huge opportunity for Edebiri in particular, who has followed her breakthrough on The Bear with countless supporting roles across Hollywood and the TV comedy world, to break through as a dramatic lead in a major Hollywood production. The film is the directorial debut of writer-director Mark Anthony Green.
Opus premieres at Sundance on Jan. 27 (watch for our review), before opening wide in the U.S. on March 14, 2025. Check out the first trailer below.