Sony Pictures Classics recently released the film “Wicked Little Letters”, directed by Thea Sharrock, which grossed an estimated $1.5+ million in its second week on 1,000 screens. The R-rated British period comedy stars Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, and has a cumulative total of $1.6+ million. The film is based on an actual scandal involving a police investigation into the anonymous author of crude letters sent to residents of a British seaside town. Interestingly, the audience for “Wicked Little Letters” is predominantly female, with women over the age of 30 making up 60% of viewers. The film has been performing well in major cities, college towns, and even smaller markets like Seattle. With an 89% Rotten Tomato audience score, the film’s word of mouth is said to be terrific, according to Sony Pictures Classics.
Another film that has been making waves at the box office is “Late Night With The Devil”, a horror satire by IFC Films. The movie, directed by Cameron Cairnes and Colin Cairnes, follows a late night talk show host who invites supernatural beings onto his show to boost ratings. In its third week, the film grossed an estimated $1.1 million on 1,159 screens, bringing its total earnings to $8.4 million. This unique premise has captured the attention of audiences looking for something different in the horror genre.
On a different note, Sarigama Cinemas released the Indian romantic comedy “Family Star” to a positive reception, earning $516k at 485 locations. Directed by Parasuram and starring Vijay Devarakonda and Mrunal Thakur, the film offers a lighthearted and entertaining option for moviegoers. This success highlights the popularity of international films in the global market and the diversity of storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Sideshow/Janus Films also made a splash with the release of the French director Bertrand Bonello’s film “The Beast”. This time-hopping, terrifying sci-fi epic grossed $48k on four screens, marking the biggest opening weekend for both Sideshow and Bonello. Starring Léa Seydoux and George MacKay, the film is set in a future where artificial intelligence controls society and humans erase their emotions. The intriguing premise and stunning visuals have garnered attention from cinephiles and sci-fi enthusiasts alike.
Focus Features entered the mix with “Housekeeping For Beginners”, a film directed by Goran Stolevski that grossed $45k on four screens. The R-rated feature follows a woman unexpectedly tasked with raising her girlfriend’s two daughters, creating an unconventional family dynamic. Stolevski’s storytelling shines a light on unique family structures and the challenges they face in staying together.
Lastly, Altered Innocence’s “The People’s Joker” has generated buzz with its queer reimagining of the iconic DC villain’s origin story. Directed by Vera Drew, the film is looking at $16.2k earnings at a single location, the IFC Center. Drew’s fresh take on The Joker’s character has intrigued audiences looking for a new perspective on familiar stories.
The recent film releases mentioned above have each made a significant impact on box office numbers and audience reception. From British comedies to horror satires and international romantic comedies, there is a diverse range of films capturing the attention of moviegoers. The success of these films showcases the power of storytelling and the ability of cinema to transport audiences to new worlds and perspectives.