A massive pop star, Alfred Moretti (John Malkovich), who went quiet for the better part of three decades is due to release a new record. He invites a select group six people to come to his remote Western compound for an album listening weekend. Those attending include writer Ariel Ecton, played by Ayo Edebiri and a TV personality, Clara Armstrong, played by Juliette Lewis. None of them are ready for what they find there.
It has been a while since I have been able to take Malkovich seriously as an actor. He was always mannered but has long since descended into a bunch of mannerisms. Here, the whole film felt as phony as his character and his performance. I did not believe for a moment the cult he has established nor that the terrible music he performs would be fawned over by music critics who are notoriously cynical.
The plot unfolds in a way that is both predictable and unbelievable and it seems to take a very long time getting to what is meant to be a shocking ending. Edebiri is pretty good but she cannot save this tedious mess.
Rating: 2 out of 10