Jane Schoenbrun's film, I Saw Then TV Glow, has seen a significant increase in box office earnings in its second week, with an estimated $195k+ on 21 screens. This expansion marks a successful rollout, driven by a passionate fan base particularly among young, male, and LGBTQ+ audiences. The gender-bending supernatural thriller is set to continue its release in the upcoming weeks, with the potential for even further growth. The director, honored with a Breakthrough Artist award, has managed to capture the attention of audiences with a unique and compelling story.
While I Saw Then TV Glow is experiencing success, other films are facing challenges in the competitive box office landscape. For example, Ryusuke Hamaguchi's Evil Does Not Exist grossed about $102.7k on 34 screens in its second week, with a total of $165k. The film is set to expand to additional screens before a national release. Despite facing tough competition, the indie film industry continues to produce unique and engaging stories that resonate with audiences.
Several new releases have hit theaters recently, with varied results. Vertical's Poolman, starring Chris Pine, has performed decently with $131k in earnings at 162 theaters. Briarcliff Entertainment's Not Another Church Movie, featuring Jamie Foxx, is estimated to see $360k in earnings at 1,108 locations. Meanwhile, IFC Films' Force of Nature: The Dry2, starring Eric Bana, has grossed $34.5k on 153 screens. These films showcase the diverse range of genres and themes in the current cinema landscape.
Among the releases, there are standout performances that deserve recognition. For instance, Fathom Events' presentation of MET Opera: Madama Butterfly grossed nearly $1.1 million at 732 locations, highlighting the enduring popularity of operatic productions. Additionally, Omjee Group's Pollywood film, Shinda Shinda Ni Papa, saw $487k in earnings at just 102 theaters, showcasing the appeal of regional cinema. As for holdovers, Ethan Hawke's Wildcat continues to perform steadily, with $72k on six screens for a total of $134.4k.
The box office landscape is a mix of success stories and struggles, with filmmakers and audiences navigating the ever-changing industry. While some films thrive with dedicated fan bases and unique storytelling, others face challenges in finding their place among the competition. Ultimately, the cinema continues to be a vibrant and diverse medium for storytelling and entertainment.