In a world where streaming services dominate the entertainment landscape, it’s no surprise that another highly anticipated film, “Saltburn,” is making its way to Prime Video. Directed by Emerald Fennell, who won an Oscar for her work on “Promising Young Woman,” this gothic romance thriller is set to captivate audiences worldwide when it becomes available to stream on December 22nd.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, “Saltburn” managed to achieve a remarkable feat at the box office. In its third weekend, the film saw a mere 10% drop in ticket sales, grossing $1.678 million across 1,566 theaters. This impressive hold over the post-Thanksgiving period speaks to the film’s appeal and ability to resonate with audiences.
Traditionally, specialty releases tend to have shorter theatrical windows before finding their way into the homes of eager viewers. However, “Saltburn” breaks the mold by opting for a 36-day theatrical window, allowing audiences more time to experience the suspense and mystery on the big screen. This decision is reminiscent of the distribution strategy employed by the same production team for their spring release, “Air,” which saw success with a similar release pattern.
With an impressive total domestic box office haul of $6.3 million, “Saltburn” proves that it has resonated with American audiences. Its global earnings are even more impressive, surpassing the $10 million mark. This success story is a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted thrillers and the ability of filmmakers to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of film distribution.
One of the surprising aspects of “Saltburn’s” box office performance is the increase in theater grosses during its third weekend. Typically, such increases occur when a specialty title is being expanded. However, in the case of “Saltburn,” 550 theaters saw a jump in grosses from Saturday to Saturday, contributing to the film’s overall success. With 90% of its total gross coming from 700 theaters, the movie has managed to capture the attention of audiences across various markets, including NYC, LA, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, and DC.
At its core, “Saltburn” tells the story of a unique relationship between two Oxford University colleagues, Oliver and Felix. Oliver, the academic, is invited to stay with Felix and his wealthy family at their country estate in the British countryside. As the summer unfolds, what was supposed to be a serene escape turns into a gripping narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns. Critics have given “Saltburn” a 72% fresh grade on Rotten Tomatoes, praising its ability to deliver a thrilling experience.
“Saltburn” is not just another film finding its way to a streaming platform; it is a testament to the resilience and creativity of filmmakers in navigating the changing dynamics of the film industry. Its box office success and critical acclaim speak to the enduring appeal of well-crafted genre films and an audience hungry for immersive storytelling. As it makes its way to Prime Video, “Saltburn” promises to captivate and enthrall viewers worldwide, cementing its place as a must-watch thriller of the year.