Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw Then TV Glow continues to impress at the box office, with an estimated $195k+ on 21 screens in its second week of release. The A24 film has garnered attention from a passionate fan base, particularly among young, male, and LGBTQ+ audiences. The director’s Breakthrough Artist award further solidifies the success of this gender-bending supernatural thriller, promising a continued rollout in the coming weeks.
Sideshow/Janus Films’ release of Evil Does Not Exist by Ryusuke Hamaguchi has grossed about $102.7k on 34 screens in its second week, totaling $165k. The film is set to expand to 60 additional screens before a national release on May 24th. The success of this film showcases the potential for indie films to capture audience attention and box office success.
In a weekend dominated by mainstream releases like Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, indie films faced a challenging landscape. However, new releases like Vertical’s Poolman, starring Chris Pine, and Briarcliff Entertainment’s Not Another Church Movie with Jamie Foxx, managed to make a mark at the box office. These films, while not reaching the heights of larger productions, show promise for niche audiences.
Omjee Group’s Pollywood Shinda Shinda Ni Papa, set in Canada and India, saw $487k in just 102 theaters, appealing to a specific audience interested in Punjabi-language cinema. Similarly, Fathom Events’ presentation of MET Opera: Madama Butterfly and IFC Films’ Force of Nature: The Dry 2 found success in their niche markets. These international offerings highlight the diversity and strength of indie films in appealing to global audiences.
Ethan Hawke-directed Wildcat saw steady performance at the box office, grossing $72k on six screens for a total of $134.4k. The film’s upcoming expansion to over 100 theaters signals continued interest from audiences. These holdovers demonstrate the longevity and staying power of indie films in a competitive market.
Overall, the box office landscape for indie films remains varied and challenging. While some films find success with niche audiences and international markets, others struggle to compete against mainstream releases. However, the continued support and recognition of indie filmmakers and their unique storytelling abilities indicate a bright future for the indie film industry.