
Overview of Opus
- Opus, a highly anticipated horror film from A24, features the talents of Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich.
- The narrative centers on a pop singer who leads a cult, providing a unique perspective within the horror genre.
- Known for their innovative storytelling and standout performances, A24 films like Opus are celebrated for surprising twists and originality.
Whenever A24 unveils a new horror project, my interest is immediately piqued. The studio has delivered some of the most striking films in the genre, including Ari Aster’s disturbing classic Hereditary, the eerie and captivating The Witch, and the unforgettable Midsommar. Their recent release, Y2K, directed by Kyle Mooney, marries horror with comedy in an engaging narrative. Among these acclaimed titles, I am particularly enthusiastic about Opus, an upcoming horror flick starring Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich, alongside a talented ensemble that includes Murray Bartlett, Juliette Lewis, Tony Hale, and Amber Midthunder.
My admiration for Edebiri began with her remarkable portrayal of Sydney Adamu in The Bear. Her character is deeply nuanced, navigating the challenges posed by Carmy (played by Jeremy Allen White) while pursuing her aspirations. I eagerly anticipate Edebiri’s performance in Opus, as she takes on a pivotal role that promises to showcase her range and depth as an actress.
Why Ayo Edebiri’s Role in Opus is Exciting
Watch the Trailer
In Opus, Ayo Edebiri portrays Ariel, a writer investigating the enigmatic pop singer Alfred Moretti, played by Malkovich, who mysteriously re-emerges after three decades. The tagline, “There’s no cult like celebrity,”hints at the unnerving atmosphere surrounding Moretti, who is suggested to be at the helm of a cult. As Ariel delves deeper into this unsettling world, her growing apprehension indicates a race against time to escape the impending danger.
This film excites me not only for its eerie premise but also for the opportunity to witness Edebiri’s exploration of the horror genre. Her standout performance in Season 3 of The Bear illustrates her extraordinary skill at portraying complex characters. As she steps into the shoes of a determined journalist seeking the truth about Moretti’s three-decade hiatus, I am confident she will deliver an exceptional performance. This marks Edebiri’s first leading role in a horror movie, which adds an interesting layer to her already diverse filmography.
Originality of the Opus Premise
I am captivated by the concept of a cult led by a pop star, a theme that paves the way for fresh storytelling within horror. Much like the narrative seen in Smile 2, A24 appears committed to exploring unconventional elements of the music industry. The horror genre is rife with slasher films such as Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, yet Opus stands out for its originality, which is increasingly rare among reboots and sequels. A chilling and inventive story like this is precisely what the genre needs to thrive.
Moreover, I appreciate A24’s dedication to producing horror films that are both surprising and engaging. Their projects often feature outstanding performances, along with one-of-a-kind narratives, such as the unconventional villains in X or the eerie cult dynamics in Opus. With the current influx of horror movies, A24 consistently raises the bar, delivering intelligent and unexpected content that resonates with audiences.
Ayo Edebiri’s Broader Filmography

Though Ayo Edebiri is best known for her role as Sydney in The Bear, her career boasts a rich variety of performances across different genres. She has showcased her comedic talents in roles such as Missy Foreman-Greenwald in Big Mouth, Ayesha Teagues in Abbott Elementary, and April O’Neill in Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
In addition to her television roles, Edebiri has made significant contributions to both comedy and drama in film. She lends her voice to Envy, a new emotion in Inside Out 2, and has appeared in standout roles such as Janet Walch in the satirical film Theater Camp, and Josie in the quirky comedy Bottoms. Edebiri continues to emerge as a compelling force in the entertainment industry.
In a conversation with Backstage, she expressed her eagerness to embrace new challenges in her acting career, including her recent casting in the MCU film Thunderbolts. She remarked:
“I love being a sponge. I just want to learn as much as possible. I’m excited [for ‘Thunderbolts’] because I don’t know; and to me, that’s cool. I feel like those are always the situations that I’ve benefited from the most. If I don’t know what I’m going to learn, that’s the best possible scenario for me.”
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