IFC's Late Night With The Devil has exceeded all expectations with its distributor's largest opening weekend to date, bringing in an estimated $2.8+ million across 1,043 screens. This impressive performance has solidified Late Night as the sixth highest-grossing film at the domestic box office. Prior to this weekend, the distributor's top opening films included Watcher, Skinamarink, and Blackberry, but Late Night has now taken the top spot. The film marks IFC's widest opening since The D Train, showcasing the growing success and reach of the distribution company.
Late Night With The Devil, directed by Australian duo Colin and Cameron Cairnes, unfolds almost in real-time on the set of a 1977 late-night talk show. What starts as a seemingly normal broadcast takes a dark turn, unleashing evil into the nation's living rooms. Starring David Dastmalchian as talk show host Jack Delroy, the film has garnered attention and acclaim from various film festivals including SXSW, Fantasia Festival, Sydney Film Festival, and more. Cameron and Colin even took home the award for Best Screenplay at Sitges, further solidifying the film's impact on audiences.
IFC Center Success
Utopia's Femme has also seen success at the IFC Center in NYC, grossing $15k and claiming the top spot. This marks one of the distributor's most successful openings at the venue, following a trend of successful releases including The Sweet East, Holy Spider, Vortex, Sick of Myself, and Meet Me in the Bathroom. The film, directed by Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, stars George Mackay and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett in a British Independent Film Award-winning queer revenge thriller. With an upcoming expansion and positive reviews, Femme is set to continue its successful run.
Cartilage Films' Free Time, directed by Ryan Martin Brown, had a modest opening weekend gross of $6k at the Quad Cinema in NYC. Despite its small budget and production timeline, the film proved to be a hit with multiple sold-out shows and positive audience responses. Jasper Basch, the film's distributor, praised Brown and his collaborators for creating a movie that resonated with diverse audiences. The film is set to expand to Los Angeles and other markets throughout the spring, showcasing the power of independent cinema.
A Diverse Range of Offerings
Riddle of Fire from Yellow Veil Pictures & Vinegar Syndrome, Weston Razooli's whimsical neo-fairytale, brought in an estimated $24k across 28 theaters. Music Box Films and Brainstorm Media also found success with Ivan Sen's Limbo, grossing $5.8k at select theaters. These diverse offerings demonstrate the variety and quality of films available to audiences, with each unique story finding its place in the competitive landscape of the film industry.
IFC's Late Night With The Devil has set a new standard for the distributor, showcasing the potential for highly reviewed and intelligent films to thrive in theaters. With a successful opening weekend and positive audience reactions, the film has solidified its place as a standout in the horror genre. Coupled with the success of other indie films and diverse offerings, it is clear that the film industry continues to evolve and provide audiences with a wide range of cinematic experiences.