A24’s highly anticipated political thriller, “Civil War,” has hit the ground running with an impressive start grossing $2.9M in Thursday previews at 2,931 locations. This sets the movie on track for an opening of over $20M, making it the best ever preview performance for an A24 film. Surpassing the likes of “Hereditary” which grossed $1.3M in previews, “Civil War” is already proving to be a strong contender at the box office.
A24 made the strategic move to sell the majority of foreign rights early, with Entertainment Film Distributors taking charge in the UK and Roadhouse in Australia/New Zealand. The movie is set to hit other major territories next weekend, indicating a global rollout. With a release in 3,800 theaters and boosted by Imax, “Civil War” marks A24’s widest release to date. It’s also worth noting that this is the widest R-rated release for an independent studio, further solidifying A24’s presence in the industry.
Critics have lauded the performances of Kirsten Dunst, Nick Offerman, and Cailee Spaeny in “Civil War,” giving the film an impressive rating of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences have also shown their approval with a rating of 86%, indicating a positive word-of-mouth potential. Drawing comparisons to the works of Oliver Stone and Kathryn Bigelow, “Civil War” seems to have struck a chord with both critics and viewers alike.
When compared to similar films like “Detroit” and “Snowden,” “Civil War” stands out with its strong preview figures. While “Detroit” only grossed $525K in previews and underperformed with a $7.1M opening, “Snowden” saw $2.7M in previews and an $8M opening. However, “Civil War” is expected to surpass these numbers, showcasing its potential for long-term success. Looking ahead, director Alex Garland’s upcoming thriller, “Annihilation,” starring Natalie Portman, also saw a promising start, hinting at a bright future for the filmmaker.
In addition to “Civil War,” other films like “Arcadian,” starring Nicolas Cage, and blockbusters like “Godzilla x Kong: New Empire” and “Monkey Man” have also made their mark at the box office. With a mix of critically acclaimed independent films and big-budget blockbusters, the film industry is seeing a diverse range of offerings for audiences. As the landscape of cinema continues to evolve, it’s essential to keep an eye on both mainstream releases and smaller independent projects to capture the full spectrum of storytelling on the big screen.
Overall, the success of A24’s “Civil War” speaks to the power of compelling storytelling and strong performances in captivating audiences. With a solid start at the box office and positive reception from critics and viewers, the film is poised to make a lasting impact in the industry. As audiences flock to theaters to experience the intrigue and drama of “Civil War,” it’s clear that A24 has once again delivered a standout film that resonates with a wide range of moviegoers.