Ayo Edebiri Investigates a Pop Star’s Cult-Like Compound in New Satire Thriller "Opus" with John Malkovich - Watch the Trailer!

Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich Star in New Sundance-Bound Dark Satire Thriller About Fame and Fanaticism

To get an early invitation to listen to "the greatest album of modern times" comes with a price. Total devotion to this pop star, unwavering loyalty to his fans, and, most importantly, you must be clean-shaven—and yes, we do mean everywhere. Now, do you accept the invite?

It’s something that Ayo Edebiri must consider with great care in the upcoming darkly comic thriller Opus.

Edebiri—you likely recognize her from her Emmy-winning portrayal of the anxiety-riddled yet gifted sous chef Sydney Adamu in the acclaimed Hulu series The Bear—lands a juicy leading role in Opus as Ariel Ecton, a young, inexperienced music magazine journalist. She’s been given her first big assignment after being randomly invited to the remote compound of one of the most famous—and most eccentric—pop stars in the world: Alfred Moretti!

Think of Alfred as a wild mix between Prince, Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd, and Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone. Alfred Moretti is played by none other than two-time Oscar-nominee John Malkovich, naturally.

Ariel’s job is to listen to what’s been billed as "the greatest album of modern times." It’s the long-awaited new album from Alfred Moretti, who, over the years, has not only become a mysterious recluse but also a cult leader of sorts, building a compound filled with sycophants and devoted followers. Ariel soon discovers that the story isn’t about the new music, but rather what Moretti has built for himself: an insulated little empire where he can rule however he pleases. But if Ariel thinks she can rely on her fellow invited reporters to break the story, she has another thing coming. It seems everyone has bought into Moretti’s insanity, including the Free Press.

Juliette Lewis (Yellowjackets) and Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus) co-star as bitter veteran music reporters, while Amber Midthunder (Prey), Stephanie Suganami (Doctor Odyssey), Young Mazino (Beef), and Tatanka Means (Killers of the Flower Moon) star as cult members.

Writer-director Mark Anthony Green makes his feature film debut with Opus, which will be making its world premiere this week at the Sundance Film Festival.

Following its Park City debut, Opus is slated to open in theaters on March 14th, via A24 Films. The studio has released the film's official trailer, watch it above.