Opus: Release date, plot, and everything to know about the Ayo Edebiri A24 film

A24 just dropped a trailer for its upcoming horror film called Opus, starring John Malkovich, Ayo Edebiri, and Juliette Lewis, among others. Going by first impressions of the trailer, it looks like a comic adventure, but then the theme suddenly turns dark and the viewers know in this moment that there is something dark and twisted at play.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reported in November 2023 that the film has begun filming on private property around Pojoaque. Josh Bachove, who is producing the film, said that they plan to shoot the majority of the film there.

Opus' trailer may give the Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery vibes to fans. Of course, the story is different as the host, played by Malkovich, himself appears to be a psychopath. Regarding the release, it is first scheduled to premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

When is Opus releasing?

Mark Anthony Green's Opus has a couple of release dates. First, it will have a run at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2025, and then it will get a US-wide release on March 14, 2025.

At the Sundance Film Festival, it will premiere alongside Benedict Cumberbatch's The Thing With Feathers, Joel Edgerton's Train Dreams, Andre Holland's Love, and more. In March, during its US-wide release, it will clash with Black Bag, Novocaine, and The Electric State on the same day of its release.

What is the story of Opus?

The trailer gives a fair idea of what we should expect from Opus, but the film's listing on Sundance's official website has enough details for now. This synopsis reads,

"A young writer is invited to the remote compound of a legendary pop star who mysteriously disappeared 30 years ago. Surrounded by the star’s cult of sycophants and intoxicated journalists, she finds herself in the middle of his twisted plan."

Ayo Edebiri is seen in a newsroom in one scene, where she is chosen among the band of journalists in the agency she is working for in the film. Chaos ensues as the scene advances.

Who are the cast members of Opus?

Ayo Edebiri is playing Ariel Ecton, the titular character in the movie. She has won a Golden Globe Award for her portrayal of Sydney Adamu in the comedy series The Bear. Other than that, the actor has lent her voice to movies including Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Inside Out 2, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.

Then comes John Malkovich, who doesn't really need an introduction. He plays Alfred Moretti, a musician, who is the host and has invited these journalists into his compound. Malkovich is known for doing some crazy roles (literally) and Opus will add to his profile as an actor. He is one of the most celebrated actors in the industry, landing nominations for Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and more.

Other members of the cast include: