Like the saying goes, great skin starts from the inside out. Our skin is our largest organ, so it definitely makes sense that what we put inside of it, or whatever stress we are dealing with, would have an effect on our skin. Have you ever noticed that you tend to get breakouts in specific areas of your face? It might be around your cheeks and jawline, or your forehead, or in your nose. According to Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, your body might be telling you there's something happening internally that's making you break out. This practice is called face mapping.
According to face mapping, the face is split into sections, including your chin/jawline, cheeks, forehead, and nose. When you have breakout in these specific areas, it can mean anything from respiratory issues, to poor diet to hormonal fluctuations. Let's break it down, shall we?
What Breakouts On Your Jawline Mean
Raise your hand if you can tell when your period is about to start because you experience a breakout. Is it around for your jawline? According to face mapping, jawline breakouts are due to hormonal imbalances, hormonal fluctuations, and kidney issues. There is even a theory that breakouts along your jawline can also tell you when you are ovulating, and on which side you are ovulating. This hasn't been proven, but I still think it's pretty amazing.
What Breakouts On Your Cheeks Mean
If you break out around your cheeks, it could be something as simple as dirty pillowcases or cell phones, but it could also be too much sugar, stress, overeating, or lung/respiratory issues. If you're a smoker, you might want to watch out as smoking could possibly be the cause of breakouts on the cheek. There's a debate going on between researchers as to whether smoking and whiteheads or acne on the cheeks are linked. Super interesting stuff!
What Breakouts On Your Forehead Mean
Breakouts on the forehead could be from wearing dirty hats, having bangs, or not properly rinsing out your hair products when you wash your hair. It could also indicate issues with your digestive system, stress, irregular sleeping schedule/not enough sleep, and a poor diet. If you find yourself with frequent forehead breakouts, try getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night, along with eating leafy greens and drinking more water.
What Breakouts In Between Eyes And Nose Mean
Acne in between your eyes and around your nose could mean that you have a poor diet, are constipated, bad circulation or high blood pressure. If you break out in between your eyebrows, that could be a sign that you have a food allergy. If you are lactose intolerant, you may also find that you have breakouts in between your brows. Again, it might be worth it to take a look at your diet and eliminate processed sugar, fast food, alcohol, and increase water intake.
Personally, I always break out on my jawline about 4 to 5 days before my period, and without fail, I breakout of if eat too much sugar. On the rare occasion I drink soda or have a little too much alcohol, I can always expect to get a few whiteheads the next day. It's annoying, but at least I know the cause!
Face mapping is not an exact science. It's true that what is happening internally can affect our skin, but if you suffer from cystic acne or are concerned about the state of your skin, please see a dermatologist who can better assess your skins' condition.
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I had the chance to sit down with the film’s director, Mark Anthony Green, to talk about what inspired this gripping story, how Ayo Edebiri brought something unexpected to the role, and what it was like creating such an immersive world. From cult-like devotion to the dark side of fame, Opus doesn’t just entertain—it makes you think. And according to Mark, that’s exactly the point.
"Best Time Ever"
Opus Movie Screening
Photo by Eric Charbonneau/A24 via Getty Images
Right off the bat, I asked Mark Anthony Green to sum up Opus in just three words. His answer? "Best time ever." Which, if you've seen the trailer, might sound a little ironic considering how intense the film is. But Mark laughed at my skepticism and added, "A little skepticism keeps us all safe."
And honestly, after watching the movie, I might be side-eyeing any future press trips myself.
The Inspiration Behind the Madness
With Opus tackling themes like power, isolation, and the cult of celebrity, I had to know—what sparked the idea for this film?
“There’s this thing I’ve been seeing, and that I think we all have been seeing—how tribalism and idolizing certain figures has become part of people’s identities,” Mark explains. “It’s pushed us away from each other, and it’s become more divisive. I started writing this film six years ago because of that. And, you know, sometimes when you work on a movie for that long, the thing you were grappling with becomes less relevant. But this? This has only become a bigger problem.”
And yet, Mark made one thing clear—while Opus has plenty of social commentary woven into it, the priority was making a wild, entertaining ride. "You described the film as wild, and that’s the highest compliment to me," he says. "I wanted it to be fun, and I wanted people to walk away talking about it."
Ayo Edebiri Like You’ve Never Seen Her Before
Ayo Edebiri
Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Ayo Edebiri is best known for her comedic chops, but Opus throws her into a completely different arena. So, what made her the perfect choice for this dark, gripping role?
“The great thing about a talented actor like Ayo is they live for being uncomfortable and being challenged,” Mark says. “And Ayo is one of the most talented amongst the talented. People like that, they don’t shy away from something different—they run toward it.”
Mark couldn’t stop raving about her performance, admitting that even after seeing the film “two trillion times,” he still catches new details in her acting. "She makes these weird, brilliant choices, and I’m still in awe of what she did in this film," he says.
And beyond her skill? Mark just loves everything about her. “She’s gorgeous, she’s original, she’s always in a scene, even if it’s not her moment. I love her skin complexion, her background, her sense of humor. I started out as a fan, and now I’m her biggest fan.”
The Cult-Like Energy and Twisted Twists
Opus has a heavy psychological thriller vibe, with a mysterious, cult-like energy running through it. I asked Mark if any real-life events or films inspired its eerie tone.
His answer? “We recorded John Malkovich, The-Dream, and Nile Rodgers in a Boston studio before filming even started. That was the first moment this whole experiment really felt real. John hit a note, and everyone in the room just kind of looked around like, ‘Holy sh*t.’ It was electric. That alchemy of talent coming together—I’ll never forget it.”
And as for those jaw-dropping twists? Mark was very intentional about keeping the audience on edge. “I wanted every scene to make you question what’s real and what’s not,” he says. “If you think you know what’s going to happen, you’re wrong.”
A Fast and Furious Filmmaking Process
For such a visually stunning and layered film, you’d think Opus had a massive budget and months of shooting time. Nope.
“We shot for 19 days,” Mark reveals. “Which is nothing.”
And yet, the film doesn’t feel rushed at all. That’s thanks to an all-star crew, from the cinematographer to the costume designer. “We didn’t have an excess of resources, but we had incredibly talented people who overdelivered,” he says. “The film has a gravitas that our budget doesn’t reflect, and I’m so proud of that.”
Shoutout to the hair and makeup team, too—because Ayo’s hair was laid flawlessly the entire time. “And that’s not easy when you’re shooting out of order and on such a tight schedule,” Mark laughs. “It was an insane puzzle, but the crew made it work.”
Go See "Opus"—Like, Right Now
If you love thrillers that keep you guessing, Opus is a must-watch. It’s smart, stylish, and just unsettling enough to stick with you long after the credits roll. Plus, Ayo Edebiri in a leading thriller role? We need more of this.
So, consider this your official announcement: Grab your friends, your popcorn, and maybe a nightlight—because Opus is in theaters now, and you don’t want to miss it.
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Feature image by Eric Charbonneau/A24 via Getty Images