If you’re looking for a new thriller to watch, check out A24’s latest production, Opus, if for no other reason than to see the incredible equestrian facility featured as the movie’s set.
This chilling film takes viewers deep into a cult-like experience that examines the dark side of fandom, creativity, and obsession. The followers call themselves Levelists, devoted to achieving a near-mystical level of creative genius, literally. It’s eerie, stylish, and completely immersive. And for design enthusiasts, it’s all set on a sprawling desert ranch that’s just as captivating as the story itself.
The Film
Opus follows Ariel, a writer desperate for her big break. Her opportunity arrives when she’s invited to a private “listening experience” hosted by music icon Moretti, who has been out of the spotlight for nearly 30 years. Only a handful of guests are chosen to attend a weekend at his secluded compound where art, obsession, and danger intertwine.
Though the film greets viewers with “Welcome to Utah,” much of it was actually filmed at La Mesita Ranch, located on the Pojoaque Pueblo near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The wide desert setting creates an atmosphere of isolation, the perfect backdrop for a haunting psychological thriller. But what caught our attention most was the stunning equestrian facility that features prominently throughout the film.
The Setting: La Mesita Ranch
As the guests arrive, we get the first breathtaking glimpse of La Mesita Ranch. The cinematography treats us to sweeping aerial shots that showcase the property’s elegant layout: a long drive lined with turnout pens, pastures stretching into the desert horizon, and beautifully maintained outbuildings.
Roughly 40 minutes into the film, Ariel’s jog around the compound offers a closer look at what this remarkable property includes stables, trails, storage barns, and that oh-so-aesthetic indoor arena. For design lovers, it’s a rare treat to see such a well-maintained and visually stunning ranch used so prominently in a major production.
The Stable & Arena
La Mesita Ranch, Moretti’s fictional compound in Opus, features a sizable stable with multiple stalls located just steps away from an indoor and outdoor arena, round pen, and several large turnout pens.
In the film, these spaces double as jogging routes and even as “The Listening Room” for Moretti’s climactic performance scene. The indoor arena’s high ceilings and fully enclosed structure likely offer excellent acoustics, a clever cinematic and architectural choice.
For anyone who appreciates thoughtful design, the arena’s clean lines, insulation, and symmetry make it a standout feature. It’s a functional structure turned atmospheric set piece.
Final Thoughts
While Opus stands on its own as a gripping psychological thriller, design and architecture enthusiasts will especially appreciate its setting. Between the haunting desert views and the meticulously kept La Mesita Ranch, this film offers more than suspense, it’s a study in atmosphere and space.
Would we recommend it? Absolutely. Opus is now available for streaming on most major platforms, and it’s worth watching both for its eerie storytelling and its unforgettable desert compound.