The cult of celebrity has always been a fascinating subject matter, especially in recent years. In our infinite landscape of the internet, there’s been a plethora of posts, forums, and chats obsessing over cultural phenomena. Director Mark Anthony Green, with his background as a former writer for GQ, brings the world of journalism and the cult of celebrity together in Opus. Ayo Edibiri plays Ariel, a writer who is invited to a remote resort by the reclusive Moretti, played by John Malkovich, who aims to release his first album in 30 years which he claims is the best he’s ever created. Premise wise, it sounds fun, but the set up, and the execution feel pretty familiar. It rings too much like recent and better films such as The Menu, Glass Onion, and other class satires, but it never gets to a point to where it becomes anywhere as compelling. 

 

Though the performance is great, Ayo Edebiri is a gem to watch in this elevating what’s a pretty flat and uninteresting character. Edebiri just isn’t given anything to do that feels unique or fresh, and when it feels like it’s about to get to any sort of point, it never really feels like it ever pins it down. She’s given a few great jokes here and there, but it feels like she’s taking the character only so far as the writing can let her go. Malkovich's Moretti is a fun enigma for the most part, and the more you learn about him when everyone arrives to the report, there’s a fun sprawling timeline on what he’s been up to since the release of this last album. Malkovich is erratic and entertaining here, even delivering a vocal performance on three original songs composed and produced by Nile-Rodgers and The Dream. These songs are great! 

Sadly, Opus can’t shake its derivative nature and the film fizzles out in the back half. It comes to its own point, sure, but it feels messy and near incomprehensible. Mark Anthony Green behind the camera is impressive, and he does have interesting directing choices in some key scenes, but he can’t cover up the huge blemish which is a script that’s uninspired and a chore. Performances aside, this was one of this spring’s massive disappointments.