Thelma, released by Magnolia Pictures, had an impressive opening weekend with a box office earnings of $2.2 million on 1,280 screens. The film, featuring a 93-year-old star, June Squibb, managed to attract a broad audience. The portrayal of an intergenerational story resonated well with viewers, as evidenced by strong showings in various markets across the country. The distributor’s strategy of targeting both younger and older audiences seems to have paid off, with positive feedback from viewers on platforms like Letterboxd and AARP.
The Success of Kinds of Kindness
Searchlight Pictures’ Kinds of Kindness also saw success, boasting a per screen average of $70k at five theaters in LA and NY, resulting in a total of $350k. The film, which stars Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, outperformed other films in terms of per screen averages this year. The upcoming wider release of Kinds of Kindness to over 500 theaters indicates confidence in its ability to attract a larger audience. The positive reception at premieres in major theaters bodes well for its future success.
Performance of Other Indie Films
In addition to Thelma and Kinds of Kindness, other indie films also made their mark in the box office. Jeff Nichol’s The Bikeriders, released by Focus, garnered an impressive $10 million on 2,642 screens. Vertical’s The Exorcism, starring Russell Crowe, had a successful opening weekend, earning $2.4 million on 2,240 screens. These films, along with Janet Planet from A24 and Kino Lorber’s Green Border, showcase the diversity and strength of indie cinema in attracting audiences.
Overall, the success of indie films in the box office this weekend highlights the significance of storytelling and unique perspectives in capturing the hearts of viewers. With a diverse range of genres and themes, indie cinema continues to thrive and make a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Through strategic marketing and strong performances, these films have demonstrated their ability to compete with major studio releases and carve out a niche in the film industry. As audiences seek out fresh and engaging storytelling, indie films provide a refreshing alternative that resonates with viewers of all ages and backgrounds.