Opus Movie Ending: Did Ariel TRIUMPH or FAIL?

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The movie titled Opus, as explained by its director Mark Anthony Green, is essentially a portrayal of tribal dynamics. This clarification helps dispel any ambiguity about the film’s underlying theme. Released in March 2025 and now available on streaming platforms, this A24 production features The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri as Ariel, a journalist invited to an exclusive event for the new album of an aging rockstar, Alfred Moretti (played by John Malkovich). The setting is Moretti’s secluded Utah compound, where he has assumed leadership of a cult known as “Levelists.” As media guests start meeting their untimely demise at the hands of the Levelists, Ariel must figure out a means to flee.

Initially, Opus received a mixture of positive and negative feedback upon its premiere. Many viewers found themselves perplexed about the movie’s underlying messages. The narrative delved into various topics such as the allure of fame, the blurred lines between journalism and artistry, and how these elements can influence each other. Furthermore, it skillfully combined different moods, transforming into a dreamlike, psychological terror, and suspenseful piece.

Previously, a music journalist named Green expressed his fascination to Script Mag about delving into the topic of “community-based loyalty or identity, commonly known as ‘tribalism‘” and employing “specific character types and figures” to examine this concept in Opus.

In essence, I believe the movie ‘Opus’ delves into the subject of tribalism. It raises queries about whether such practices are still beneficial. My aim was to examine this concept in novel and innovative ways, while also incorporating familiar characters and motifs to shed light on various aspects of tribalism.

In the story Opus, Moretti is portrayed as a musical legend, much like Prince, David Bowie, or Elvis Presley in terms of fame and fan base. During periods away from the music world, Moretti establishes a cult that follows his lead, underscoring society’s fixation on celebrities, as he governs according to his own set of rules.

Green expressed during an interview with RogerEbert.com his desire to demonstrate that art is meant to provoke and make us ponder if the current system we’re using is truly beneficial for us.

Art serves as a catalyst, provoking intelligent minds to ponder and question. It stirs up discussions about our current state of affairs and raises questions about potential improvements. To me, ‘Opus’ offers an engaging platform for such thought-provoking dialogues.

In 2025, Green made his directorial debut with a movie called “Opus,” which first appeared at the Sundance Film Festival. Apart from Edebiri and Malkovich, this film also features Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Amber Midthunder, and Young Mazino among its cast members. On July 11, “Opus” was made available on HBO Max for viewers to enjoy.

What Is the True Meaning of Opus Movie and Its Ending?

Much like several films produced by A24 (including the movie titled “Heretic“), the film “Opus” concludes in a debatable manner. At the end of the story, Ariel manages to break free from the compound and reappears two years later as a renowned figure herself. This transformation occurred due to her authorship of a popular book that recounts her encounters with Moretti and the Levelists.

As a devoted cinephile, I can tell you that the director intended for us to perceive the character played by Edebiri as someone who has succumbed to the oppressive machinery of the system.

I consider Ariel a heroine, despite her complex ending. Even if she seems to have been affected by the system, I don’t believe that diminishes her heroic status. It’s important to clarify that I’m not criticizing media or journalism with this perspective; rather, it’s my interpretation of the movie and my view of the world.

In my perspective, it unfolds that my friend Ariel’s flourishing literary journey serves to carry on Moretti’s ideology, despite him being imprisoned. During our last heart-to-heart, Moretti disclosed a fascinating revelation: while he’s confined, his followers, the Levelists, continue to inhabit our world covertly, propagating his teachings by building upon Ariel’s book as a cornerstone.

Green told Polygon that the ending of “Opus” was crafted to maintain the back-and-forth tension between Ariel and Moretti. The ending was deliberately left as both fulfilling and inconclusive, avoiding disclosing which character came out on top in their struggle.

What intrigued me the most was the constant tension, never quite reaching the point where it felt resolved or one participant clearly emerged victorious. Instead, it resembled an authentic battle of wits. I believe such a film should conclude in a way that feels both fulfilling yet leaves room for interpretation.

Opus concludes by making it clear to Ariel (and the viewers) that Moretti’s fame transcends prison confinement, suggesting a critique of the lasting influence of stardom and the societal structure of celebrity adoration we have created.

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2025-07-15 20:35