A24's 'Opus' Divides Critics With Style-Driven Satire and Malkovich's Standout Performance

The Sundance-debut horror satire explores celebrity culture but falters with a muddled script, despite John Malkovich's praised portrayal of a reclusive pop icon.

• Directed by Mark Anthony Green, 'Opus' is a satirical horror film centered on a journalist's visit to a reclusive pop star's compound for an album release event that turns sinister.
• John Malkovich's performance as Alfred Moretti, a Bowie-inspired cult-like music icon, has been widely lauded for its eccentricity and charisma.
• Critics have noted the film's visually striking production design and catchy original songs by Nile Rodgers and The-Dream, sung by Malkovich himself.
• The script has been criticized for its lack of originality, uneven tone, and underdeveloped commentary on celebrity worship and fandom culture.
• While Ayo Edebiri's lead performance is strong, her character is underutilized, and the supporting cast, including Juliette Lewis and Murray Bartlett, is deemed wasted in thinly written roles.

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