In a surprising turn of events, A24’s drama Sing Sing, featuring Colman Domingo, has made its mark as the third highest limited opening film of the year. The film, set against the backdrop of the Sing Sing Correctional Facility, grossed an impressive $137,119 on just four screens, resulting in a per screen average of $34.3k. The movie, which is based on a true story and holds a remarkable 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, has generated significant buzz with multiple sold-out Q&As in both New York and Los Angeles. A24 has reported that the film’s exit scores are the highest they have ever recorded, indicating a strong audience response. With plans for a nationwide expansion beginning in August, Sing Sing is poised to continue its success in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Touch from Focus Features, directed by Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur, has also made a splash at the box office. The well-reviewed romantic thriller, which spans decades and continents, follows one man’s emotional journey to find his lost love. With a solid opening weekend gross of $470k from 315 theaters in North America, Touch has garnered praise from critics and audiences alike. Holding a commendable 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is off to a promising start and is expected to build momentum in the weeks to come.
Indian cinema continues to make its mark in the international market, with Indian 2 marking the third consecutive week with one or more Indian films in the top ten. Director S. Shankar’s Tamil-language political action thriller, a sequel to the 1996 film Indian, is on track to earn approximately $1.97 million on 1,065 screens. The film has already shown strong performance in North America, with Imax reporting $190k in previews on 44 screens. Recent weeks have seen a surge in popularity for Indian titles, including the sci-fi epic Kalki 2899 AD and the romantic comedy Jat & Juliet 3, indicating a growing interest in Indian cinema among audiences worldwide.
In addition to Sing Sing and Touch, several other indie films have made notable debuts at the box office. Neon’s upscale horror film Longlegs leads the pack with an impressive $22 million opening, showcasing the diversity and appeal of independent cinema. Dandelion by Nicole Riegel from IFC Films has seen success with $65.5k on 446 screens, while LD Entertainment and Variance Films’ release of Luke Gilford’s National Anthem grossed an estimated $42.4k on four screens, boasting a per screen average of $10.6k. These films, along with others like Searchlight Pictures’ Kinds of Kindness and Abramorama’s American’s Burning, demonstrate the strength and creativity of independent filmmakers in today’s competitive market.
As indie films continue to captivate audiences and critics alike, the future looks bright for the independent film industry. With a diverse range of genres and stories being brought to the screen, audiences can look forward to a rich and engaging cinematic experience. Whether it’s a gripping drama like Sing Sing, a heartfelt romance like Touch, or a thrilling horror like Longlegs, indie films are proving to be a driving force in shaping the landscape of modern cinema. As these films expand their reach and reach new audiences, the impact of independent cinema on the industry as a whole is sure to be felt for years to come.