Sony Pictures Classics’ Wicked Little Letters has had a successful second week expansion, grossing an estimated $1.5+ million. The R-rated British period comedy, directed by Thea Sharrock and starring Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, has now reached 1,000 screens, up from just five in its first week. The film has reached a cume of $1.6+ million, making it the no. 8 film at the domestic weekend box office. The success of the film can be attributed to Colman and Buckley actively promoting the film, which is based on an actual scandal involving crude letters sent to residents of a British seaside town.
According to reports, audiences for Wicked Little Letters are 60% female and 40% male. Interestingly, the film has resonated with women over the age of 30, a demographic that is usually less inclined to watch period films. The film is performing exceptionally well in major cities and college towns, but it is also gaining traction in smaller markets, such as Seattle. The word of mouth surrounding the film has been overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive 89% Rotten Tomato audience score. Sony Pictures Classics is optimistic about the film’s longevity, stating that they believe it will continue to perform well due to its lighthearted nature and the current market demand for comedies.
Wicked Little Letters is a unique addition to the comedy genre, as it offers a refreshing and comedic take on a police investigation into the author of anonymous crude letters. There are few direct comparisons to the film, but it follows in the footsteps of comedies like Calendar Girls (2003) and The Fully Monty (1997). While Calendar Girls starred Helen Mirren in a story about middle-aged women posing nude for a charity calendar, The Fully Monty followed a group of unemployed men who create a striptease act. Wicked Little Letters offers a different comedic experience, focusing on a scandalous investigation in a British seaside town.
While Wicked Little Letters has been a standout success, other notable releases have also performed well at the box office. Late Night With The Devil, a horror satire by IFC Films, has continued to attract audiences, grossing an estimated $1.1 million in its third week. The film follows a late-night talk show host who embraces the supernatural to boost ratings. Additionally, Indian romantic comedy Family Star opened to $516k at 485 locations, proving to be a popular choice among audiences. Limited releases like The Beast and Housekeeping For Beginners have also garnered attention, with both films grossing impressive numbers on just a few screens.
Sony Pictures Classics’ Wicked Little Letters has made a significant impact at the box office, demonstrating the appeal of lighthearted comedies in the current market. The film’s unique premise, strong performances, and positive word of mouth have contributed to its success, setting it apart from other releases in recent weeks. As audiences continue to flock to theaters in search of entertaining and engaging films, Wicked Little Letters stands out as a memorable and enjoyable viewing experience.