In a surprising turn of events, two specialty films have made their way into the top ten at the box office this weekend. “American Fiction” claims the eighth spot, while “Poor Things” follows closely behind at number nine. What’s even more impressive is that “Poor Things” has become the highest-grossing limited opening release of the year so far. This resurgence of specialty films signifies a shift in the preferences of moviegoers and highlights the success of independent productions in captivating audiences in 2023.
“The Zone of Interest,” a foreign language film, has exceeded expectations and experienced remarkable growth since its release. Despite delving into a heavy subject matter, the film has managed to draw in young audiences, thanks to the efforts of A24. In fact, “The Zone of Interest” was awarded Film of the Year at the London Critics’ Circle Awards, further solidifying its place as a cinematic gem. The recognition for director, music, and sound also demonstrates the film’s exceptional quality and artistry.
Specialty films have proven their ability to thrive in the absence of major studio releases, which is a significant accomplishment for the industry as a whole. While the film industry has faced numerous challenges in recent times, the success of “American Fiction,” “Poor Things,” and other specialty films signifies that audiences are eager to return to theaters and explore a diverse range of films. It is worth noting that these impressive box office numbers are reminiscent of the quiet periods observed post-Covid, where a select few films managed to generate considerable revenue.
One of the standout films in this resurgence of specialty cinema is “Poor Things,” a Searchlight Pictures production starring Emma Stone. Despite a decrease in the number of theaters showing the film, “Poor Things” has managed to gross an estimated $2.1 million, resulting in a cumulative total of $28.2 million to date. Ranking as the highest limited opening of 2023 releases, “Poor Things” showcases the power of unique storytelling and the enduring popularity of films that challenge traditional narratives.
Another film that has found its place in the top ten is “American Fiction,” directed by Cord Jefferson. With an estimated gross of $2.3 million on 1,902 screens, the film has achieved an incredible hold from the previous week, experiencing only an 11% drop in revenue. Starring Jeffrey Wright, “American Fiction” has now reached a cumulative total of $15 million, proving its appeal and ability to captivate audiences.
Following its five Academy Award nominations, “The Zone of Interest” has maintained its strong performance at the box office. With an increase in the number of screens from 300 to approximately 600, the film grossed $1.1 million in its second week of limited nationwide expansion. Cities like New York, LA, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., continue to show robust support for the film, further contributing to its cumulative total of close to $4.6 million. Moreover, “The Zone of Interest” has resonated strongly with younger audiences who have recognized its significance as a poignant portrayal of the Holocaust.
In an effort to reach a wider audience, “The Zone of Interest” has embarked on a tour of college campuses, with screenings already completed or scheduled at various universities such as Yale, Brown, Dartmouth, Vanderbilt, University of Chicago, University of Miami, USC, University of California San Diego, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Florida State University. This strategic move aims to engage the youth and encourage meaningful conversations surrounding important historical events.
Apart from the recent releases, several high-profile films from previous weeks continue to make waves in the box office. “All Of Us Strangers” by Andrew Haigh, distributed by Searchlight Pictures, has gained an estimated cumulative total of $3.5 million. Similarly, “The Holdovers,” starring Paul Giamatti and distributed by Focus Features, has reached a remarkable cume of $19.8 million. Lastly, Neon’s “Anatomy of a Fall” has achieved a cumulative total of $4.4 million, further solidifying its position as a successful independent film.
In addition to the standout films mentioned above, other new releases have also made an impact in the box office. “How To Have Sex,” distributed by Mubi, managed to gross $52k at four theaters across New York, Los Angeles, and Austin. Molly Manning Walker’s acclaimed debut is set to expand to more than a dozen new markets in the coming weeks, including Chicago, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Portland. Furthermore, Shree International’s Indian action film, “Warning 2,” debuted at 103 locations and achieved a weekend gross of $517.8k.
The recent success of specialty films in the box office signifies a revitalization of the industry. Audiences are demonstrating a renewed interest in independent productions, with films like “American Fiction,” “Poor Things,” and others capturing their attention. As the film industry navigates through its post-pandemic phase, the continued support for unique storytelling is an encouraging sign for filmmakers and moviegoers alike.