You definitely didn’t see A24‘s divisive horror movie with an all-time worst box office, but now you can. Ever since Robert Eggers’ The Witch in 2015, the indie studio has developed a reputation for its distinct brand of elevated horror, which often prioritizes atmospheric dread over cheap jump scares, as seen in Ari Aster’s movies, Hereditary and Midsommar.
Though it’s still relatively early, 2025 is shaping up to be another strong year for A24 horror. Danny and Michael Philippou, the directing duo behind Talk to Me, debuted their new horror movie Bring Her Back to rave reviews. However, the studio isn’t immune to misfires, as one of its horror movies released this year divided critics and debuted to bad box office returns.
A24’s Opus Is Now Streaming On Max: What It’s About
Ayo Edebiri Meets John Malkovich
Written and directed by Mark Anthony Green in his feature debut, the A24 horror film follows a young writer (Ayo Edebiri) who travels to the remote estate of a legendary pop star (John Malkovich) who mysteriously disappeared 30 years ago. There, surrounded by his devoted followers and fellow journalists, she soon discovers his twisted plans for the weekend.
In addition to Edebiri and Malkovich in the two lead roles, Opus also stars Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Amber Midthunder, Tatanka Means, Young Mazino, Stephanie Suganami, Tamera Tomakili, and Tony Hale. Opus originally premiered in the Midnight section of the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025.
Why Opus Still Deserves Your Attention After Its Poor Initial Release
It’s Ambitious & Well-Acted
Opus reviews were mixed, resulting in a 40% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many praising Malkovich for clearly enjoying himself as a villainous pop star, but sadly, the rest of the film is too muddled in its own concepts for his performance to truly resonate. Opus also bombed at the box office, making just $2.2 million against its $10 million budget.
Despite its messy execution, Opus still deserves a look for its bold ambition, striking visuals, and standout performances from Edebiri and Malkovich. Some critics found it enjoyably unhinged and visually captivating, with flashes of smart satire and dark humor. If you’re drawn to genre-defying oddities or “so bad it’s fascinating” cinema, Opus might just become your next cult favorite.
Opus is a bold, strange ride worth taking.
Opus has a slightly better 60% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes with 100+ verified ratings, which speaks volumes. Despite its rocky box office debut, many viewers also found it visually stunning, sharply acted by Edebiri and Malkovich, and a compelling critique of celebrity worship. With twists, eerie satire, and a killer soundtrack, Opus is a bold, strange ride worth taking.
