After redefining the horror genre in 2024, A24 kicks off 2025 with Opus, a chilling new addition to its filmography. The official trailer for the movie, featuring The Bear star Ayo Edebiri, has dropped, promising a sinister story that blends creative ambition with psychological terror.
Edebiri stars as Ariel Ecton, a young writer invited to the remote compound of reclusive pop star Alfred Moretti, played by Emmy winner John Molkovich. Moretti vanished from the public eye 30 years ago but resurfaces with an “exclusive listening experience” that draws sycophants, intoxicated journalists, and Ariel into his orbit. What begins as an intriguing opportunity descends into a nightmare as Moretti’s twisted plan unfolds.
Mark Anthony Green makes his feature directorial debut with Opus, which is produced and financed by A24. The trailer teases an unsettling atmosphere, underscored by ominous visuals and haunting original music created by The-Dream and Nile Rodgers. The synopsis paints a chilling picture of obsession, art, and manipulation, perfectly suited for fans of psychological horror.
A Stellar Ensemble Cast
Joining Edebiri and Molkovich is a powerhouse cast that includes:
- Juliette Lewis (Yellowjackets)
- Amber Midthunder (Prey)
- Rosario Dawson (Daredevil)
- Stephanie Suganami (Power Book II: Ghost)
- Young Mazino (Beef)
- Tony Hale (Veep)
- Tatanka Means (Killers of the Flower Moon)
The film also boasts a strong production team, with Collin Creighton and Brad Weston producing for Makeready, alongside Poppy Hanks and Jelani Johnson for Macro Film Studios. Executive producers include Charles D. King, Sara Newkirk Simon, The-Dream, and Nile Rodgers. The collaboration between these talents suggests a richly layered cinematic experience.
Ayo Edebiri’s Meteoric Rise
Edebiri continues her ascent to Hollywood stardom after winning acclaim for her role as Sydney Adamu in FX on Hulu’s The Bear. In 2023, she appeared in five major films, showcasing her versatility in projects like Theater Camp, Bottoms, and The Sweet East. Her voice work in animated hits like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem further cemented her status as a rising star.
In 2024, Edebiri co-starred in the sci-fi drama Omni Loop with Mary-Louise Parker and lent her voice to Pixar’s Inside Out 2 as Envy. She’s set to appear in Ella McCay, a comedy from James L. Brooks, and After the Hunt, a thriller directed by Luca Guadagnino, before Opus hits theaters.
A24: Horror’s Reigning Champion
The past year solidified A24 as a leader in the horror genre, releasing standout titles like I Saw the TV Glow and MaXXXine. Other 2024 highlights included the suspenseful The Front Room, the eerie Heretic starring Hugh Grant, and the sci-fi slasher Y2K.
Looking ahead to 2025, A24 has an exciting slate, including Paolo Sorrentino’s coming-of-age drama Parthenope, Isaiah Saxon’s fantasy adventure The Legend of Ochi, and Alex Scharfman’s horror-comedy Death of a Unicorn starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega. Josh Safdie’s competitive ping-pong drama Marty Supreme, featuring Timothée Chalamet, will close the year with a Christmas Day release.
What’s Next for Opus
Opus will make its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27 before opening in theaters nationwide on March 14. With its all-star cast, chilling premise, and the distinctive A24 touch, Opus promises to be one of 2025’s most talked-about films.
