Comparing worshipping or to a lesser extent, being a fan of someone to being in a cult is usually fun to explore. You can expect the same commentary and bizarre acts of service in the unnerving lead up to the climax of Opus, and overall, the film has a tone we've seen before. However, while the conclusion may feel expected, its the journey, the mystery, and the music that keep you entertained.
When legendary pop star, Moretti, resurfaces after having disappeared for 30 years, he not only drops a new album but invites a select few to listen to it first. Amongst those invited is budding young journalist Ariel. Once the group arrives at the Moretti compound, they are surrounded by his cult like followers and bizarre rituals, and Ariel soon starts to suspect there is far more to Moretti's plan than anticipated.
Leading us into uncertainty, writer-director Mark Anthony Green rather than maintaining a false sense of security until an important clue arises, maintains a continuous sense of dread and unease that is felt throughout. From the minute Ariel's name is included on the list, the unease sets in. This makes for a fun watch, but does however keep you geared up for something spectacular that never really comes. Not to say that the narrative and antics of Moretti and his cult are not worth the entire run time, they very much are.
The star of the show, unsurprisingly, is John Malkovich as Moretti. As he struts around the compound and stage, it feels as if no one else could embody this character. From the costumes to the impromptu performances, Malkovich/Moretti drips with bizarre pizzaz. As the most extroverted character in the film, he is also the one that holds the most intrigue, never really showing all his cards, even towards the end, he gives no clear-cut answers or motives. For some, this may be frustrating, for others this will be all part of the enjoyment of the film. Second to Malkovich is Ayo Edebiri who plays Ariel, the one who sees through the fantastical showboating to something more sinister.
Malkovich and Edebiri are the two charismatic characters, for different reasons, each serving their narrative purposes and the rest are pawns in the bigger game Moretti is playing. It's a shame that each of the guests are given characteristics that are only skin deep, same with the Levelists. A few stand out but only for their aggressive actions or the few lines of dialogue. The supporting roles are literally just that, supporting the narrative and adding colour to the Malkovich and Edebiri's characters.
From the outset, Opus immediately gives of similar vibes as films as Blink Twice and The Menu. An infamous charismatic figure brings a select group of people to an undisclosed location, isolates them and eventually disturbing truths are uncovered and all hell breaks loose, while one person remains sane enough to try and fight their way back to reality. It's a blueprint we've seen before and we will see again, but it's the story that holds up. When you strip back Opus, it's an enigmatic musician/artist who starts a cult and who decides to take action against people from his past and finds the one person who he deems worthy to tell his story. It sounds familiar but thankfully, thanks to Malkovich and Edebiri, its anything but dull.
Opus will be released in cinemas 14th March
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