In the eerily captivating realm of 'Opus', director Mark Anthony Green (aka MAG) has crafted a film that fuses horror, fashion, and psychological drama in a way that is truly unprecedented. Featuring stunning visuals, a mysterious cult leader, and a dedicated focus on Native American representation, 'Opus' is set to make a significant impact in the cinematic landscape.
For MAG, the decision to shoot in New Mexico was personal. “It was so important to me, being in New Mexico,” the director mentioned. “I wanted to work with as many Native American actors as possible. And, luckily, there are so many talented ones there.” This engagement to realness played a key role in the casting process, with actress Amber (whose mother is the state's top casting director) embracing MAG’s script. “I’m a big fan of MAG’s. His script had a lot of fresh ideas and well-thought-out perspectives. I just found that exciting,” she said.
At the heart of 'Opus' is the compelling character of Belle, a member of the mysterious “Levelists” – a group of artistic devotees controlled by the charismatic Moretti, a former pop star turned cult leader. Unlike most recruits, Belle's journey to the compound was less about choice and more about fate. “Belle was the first kid born on the compound,” MAG explained. “Everyone else is recruited to be that ‘conduit’ for artistic expression.” Moretti, the director revealed, recognized Belle’s aggressive and athletic nature early on and knew she was destined to be the perfect shadow for Ariel, the protagonist.
MAG also took the opportunity to cast Tony Hale, best known for 'Arrested Development' and 'Veep', as Moretti’s long-time publicist, Soledad Yusuf. “Editors and publicists have tricky relationships,” MAG laughed. “But Tony Hale is just so funny—he can level a room with his humor.” Hale’s casting adds a layer of dark comedic relief that balances the film’s psychological tension.
Captured against the breathtaking and rugged backdrop of New Mexico, 'Opus' was filmed from mid-November to mid-December 2023, drawing viewers in with its striking location selections. From the sprawling La Mesita Ranch Estate, which provided the perfect setting for Moretti’s compound, to the striking Heart-Path Retreat Center, where the film’s iconic “family dinners” were shot, the film’s visual storytelling is as integral to the plot as its characters. “We stripped down the luxurious appointments of the ranch to create a more rustic, adobe-inspired feel,” said production designer Robert Pyzocha.
The film’s aesthetic is also influenced by MAG’s strong focus on visual style. Rather than opting for the familiar “haunted mansion” trope, MAG chose to elevate the film’s scale and atmosphere. “I didn’t want to make a Scooby-Doo movie, with people running around the mansion and doors opening and closing” he explained. “I wanted the scale to feel big, not confined.” And it certainly does — the imposing ranch, coupled with striking shots like the drone footage of the bus approaching the compound, instantly conveys the vastness of the story's eerie world.
Costume design also plays a major role in defining the unique tone of 'Opus'. Shirley Kurata, the film’s costume designer, worked closely with MAG to ensure that the clothing choices reflected the eccentricities of the characters, especially Moretti. The pop-star-turned-cult-leader’s wardrobe is an eclectic mix of outlandish and bold statements that embody his vanity and desire for attention. “MAG wanted it to feel like Moretti was from the future,” Kurata revealed. The costumes, from shimmering sarongs to embellished blazers, help create a distinctive visual language for the character, emphasizing his self-absorption and the strange world he commands.
The film's world is further defined through its innovative production design, such as the inclusion of the Rhinestone Chalet, Moretti's eccentric museum of memorabilia, and the ominous oyster-shucking scene shot inside a yurt — a surreal detail that sets off Ariel’s suspicions about the true nature of her surroundings. “It’s an odd thing t
o be seen happening in the desert, oyster shucking,” Pyzocha said, noting how the unusual setting enhances the film's sense of discomfort and dread.
But it’s not just the set and costumes that create an atmosphere of unease; 'Opus' is rooted in the psychological complexities of its characters. As Ariel (played by Ayo Edebiri) begins to unravel the mysteries of Moretti's world, the film explores themes of control, manipulation, and the distortion of fame. The tension between Moretti’s image as a beloved pop figure and his darker role as a cult leader forms the central conflict, creating a fascinating interplay between illusion and reality.
Despite being his first time directing a feature film, MAG’s seamless command of the set and vision impressed his collaborators. Veteran actor Murray Bartlett, who plays one of Moretti’s inner circle, remarked, “It amazes me that it’s his first feature. He has such calmness on set, which makes everyone else feel grounded. It’s pretty wonderful.” Director of photography Tommy Maddox-Upshaw also praised MAG's approach, describing him as “lovingly tenacious” with an “artist’s instinct.”
Cast & Crew
Ayo Edebiri (as Ariel Ecton) is a multi-talented actor, writer, producer, and comedian, known for her role in the critically acclaimed TV show The Bear, where she portrays sous-chef Sydney. She won an Emmy® for her performance in season one and was nominated for season two. Other projects include Bottoms, Theater Camp, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.
John Malkovich (as Alfred Moretti) an actor, director, and producer with over 100 films to his name, earning both Academy Award® nomination and numerous Golden Globe® nominations.
Juliette Lewis (as Clara Armstrong) an actress in iconic films like Cape Fear, Natural Born Killers, and From Dusk Till Dawn. She returned to acting after a hiatus to focus on a music career and has starred in movies like Yellowjackets, Welcome to Chippendales, and the film The Thicket, winning multiple award nominations, including an Emmy® for her role in Welcome to Chippendales.
Murray Bartlett (as Stan Sullivan) an Emmy®-winning actor known for his roles in The White Lotus and Looking. He also appeared in The Last of Us, Nine Perfect Strangers, Extrapolations and O'dessa.
Melissa Chambers plays seasoned paparazzi photographer Bianca. Comic actor, Tony Hale known for his performances in Arrested Development and Veep, she portrays Moretti’s longtime publicist, as Soledad Yusuf.
Amber Midthunder (as Belle) is an up-and-coming actress recognized for her role in Prey and the action-comedy Novocaine, The Ice Road, The Wheel, and Legion. Stephanie Suganami (known as Steph Shep) (as Emily Katz) is an actor and environmental advocate. Appearances include Something From Tiffany's and Ghost. Tatanka Means (as Najee) an actor and stand-up comedian from the Navajo Nation. He appeared in Killers of the Flower Moon and will star in Opus and Ransom Canyon.
Directed and written by Mark Anthony Green, this project showcases his creative vision and storytelling prowess. The film is produced by a talented team, including Mark Anthony Green himself, who serves as a producer under the Producers Guild of America (p.g.a.) designation, alongside Josh Bachove, Poppy Hanks, Jelani Johnson, Collin Creighton, and Brad Weston, all of whom are also recognized as p.g.a. producers.
The executive production team features notable industry figures such as Charles D. King, a prominent producer known for his work in elevating diverse narratives, Nile Rodgers, a legendary musician and producer whose influence spans decades, and The-Drea, an artist and producer contributing to the project's unique sound and vision.
As Opus prepares for its theatrical release, the buzz surrounding the film is only growing. With a unique blend of horror, dark humor, and a distinct visual style, MAG’s debut feature promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences. For those craving a cinematic experience that challenges conventions and delivers on both spectacle and storytelling, Opus is one film to watch.
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