OPUS
A REVIEW BY AVA BELLOWS
OPUS
Written and directed by Mark Anthony Green
Review by Ava Bellows
Opus is an interesting one. It’s a film about celebrity obsession, revenge, and tribalism, yet after watching it, I’m still unsure how I feel. It’s visually stunning, filled with strong performances, and ambitious in its scope. And yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d seen this movie before. We all have.
Ayo Edebiri Credit: Anna Kooris
Ayo Edebiri is, as expected, fantastic. Her comedic instincts are sharp, but what stands out most is her ability to convey pure, unfiltered terror. She has this presence that makes every moment she’s on screen compelling. John Malkovich, as Moretti, is hypnotic and deeply unsettling, the kind of character who exudes power without ever needing to raise his voice. The rest of the cast is excellent as well—everyone is fully committed to the film’s eerie, heightened reality. And yet, about halfway through, I found myself feeling somewhat detached, as though I was simply watching rather than fully engaged.
Ayo Edebiri Credit: Anna Kooris
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it. I did. The cinematography is striking, with moments that linger in the mind long after the credits roll. The sound design is layered and effective, at times overwhelming in a way that heightens the film’s claustrophobic tension. From a technical standpoint, there’s little to criticize. But there’s something too familiar about it all as if the film is borrowing from psychological thrillers of the past without adding enough to distinguish itself.
(L-R) Stephanie Suganami, Melissa Chambers, Murray Bartlett, John Malkovich, Ayo Edebiri, Juliette Lewis
Credit: Anna Kooris
It’s frustrating when a film is so well-executed yet doesn’t quite connect on an emotional level. Opus wants to be unnerving, but it rarely surprises. It unfolds in a way that feels almost inevitable, hitting expected beats rather than truly pushing into unexpected territory. The ideas are there, but the execution feels safe.
John Malkovich Credit: Anna Kooris
John Malkovich Credit: Anna Kooris
And yet, despite all this, I still think it’s worth watching. I might even see it again because I have the nagging sense that there’s more to unpack. Or maybe it’s just a beautifully crafted film that doesn’t quite break through to something greater. Either way, it lingers.
So, should you watch Opus? Yes. Even if it doesn’t fully land, it’s worth experiencing. It’s a film that sparks conversation, one that stays with you, even if you’re not entirely sure why.
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