Mikes Film Talk

In 2025 the psychological thriller Opus gives us a deadly new cult. A new version of both The Menu and Midsommar set in an American Desert. Writer/director Mark Anthony Green gives his take on Rev Jim Jones. Only this one is wearing platform shoes and singing a song of death.

The movie borrows from “cult” films liberally. One can even find a lateral connection to The Wicker Man, the original, not the remake, and it works.

However, Green’s take on a real life cult inspires him to show us a different Pied Piper. One that inexplicably generates a dangerous level of sycophancy and devotion. The filmmaker’s message seems to be that we need to be wary of celebrity worship.

It could also be all about being careful what you wish for.

Opus The Story

A budding writer is invited to a cult compound of a world famous singer and cult leader. There she meets the celebrity and his followers. Things become strange and deadly.

Opus Cast

Ayo Edebiri is Ariel.

John Malkovich is Moretti.

Juliette Lewis is Clara.

Murray Bartlett is Stan.

And

Amber Midthunder in the cameo of the year.

Let’s Talk

Opus is an interesting, and downright scary, take on the dangers of celebrity, cults, and focusing on the wrong things. Although, Green has zeroed in on the fawning blind devotion that the public have for the “gifted.”

There is a lot to recommend here. The cast is top notch. *For a more indepth cast list head on over to IMDb.com.* This is what insures that the film works. We can believe that this world exists, in reality it does, to a certain degree. *Think Taylor Swift and Michael Jackson, for example.*

The twists and turns keep one off balance. There are nods and winks to films like The Menu (That roll scene.) and Midsommar with Ariel in the role of Dani. Ariel also shares something with Police Constable Sgt Howie. She too is an innocent lamb being led to the slaughter.

Journalists Suck

Perhaps the hidden message is that journalists suck. While they feel free to write unpleasant things about their subjects, they expect a certain immunity. All of the guests invited to Moretti’s are “journos,” writers, who cover the rich and famous. *In this instance “influencers” are lumped into the same category as journalists.*

Moretti spouts inane philosophical rubbish while indulging his own fancies. One of which seems to be punishment for those writers who have insulted him.

It’s Disturbing

Opus is weird, slightly scary and disturbing. *Although there is one character that terrifies, Amber Midthunder’s character Belle. The actress kills this here. She actually has two lines in the entire film. Every scene she is in, however, is filled with unspoken menace.*

A New Favorite

Kudos to Ayo Edebiri for holding her own in this one. She has become a new favorite and we cannot wait to see her next film.

The Verdict

Opus is a 4 star puzzle. It entertains but one wonders at the decision to cast Malkovich as Moretti. The man is a powerhouse and he rocks whatever role he plays, but…

He is not a “singer” and his delivery of each “masterpiece” is almost painful to watch. It is streaming on Max, aka HBo Max right now.

The Trailer

Opinions?

So. Have you seen Opus? What did you think and does the film “look” like any other cult movies? Let us know in the comments below.