A24’s I Saw The TV Glow recently made a significant impact within the limited release market. The ’90s era trans coming-of-age horror-thriller, directed by Jane Schoenbrun, grossed an impressive $116.3k at just four theaters in New York and LA. With a per screen average of $29k, the film has garnered attention for its unique storyline and captivating performances by Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine. Premiering at Sundance, the film has received strong reviews and a positive response from audiences, leading to multiple sold-out Q&As. Produced by Emma Stone under her Fruit Tree Banner, I Saw The TV Glow follows the story of a teenager named Owen as he navigates life in the suburbs, delving into a world of supernatural mysteries through a late-night TV show.
Another standout in the specialty market is Oscilloscope’s Wildcat, a film directed and co-written by Ethan Hawke and starring Maya Hawke as Flannery O’Connor. The film debuted with an estimated $58.1k on four screens in NY/LA, drawing audiences in with its compelling narrative and stellar performances. With a PSA of $19.4k, Wildcat has generated buzz through strong engagement from key talent and a targeted marketing campaign. The story chronicles the life of literary icon Flannery O’Connor, weaving between her reality and her written works, and also features Laura Linney, Cooper Hoffman, and Steve Zahn in supporting roles. As the film continues its rollout in select markets throughout May, it is poised to leave a lasting impact on audiences.
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Evil Does Not Exist has made its mark in the specialty market with an estimated $43.3k on three screens. The film, distributed by Sideshow/Janus Films, delves into the disruption of life in a rural Japanese hamlet when developers plan to build a luxury glamping site nearby. With a per-screen average of $15k, Evil Does Not Exist explores themes of family, community, and the impact of urban development on rural landscapes. As the film expands to the top 10 markets next weekend and reaches over 200 theaters by 5/24, it is expected to resonate with audiences seeking thought-provoking and emotionally resonant storytelling.
In contrast to the success of the aforementioned films, GKIDS’ animated sci-fi Mars Express had a challenging debut, grossing only $95.7k on 250 screens. Despite its wide release, the film failed to capture the attention of audiences in the same way as its independent counterparts. The lackluster performance of Mars Express serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the film industry, where even well-made projects can struggle to find their audience in a crowded marketplace. As independent filmmakers continue to push boundaries and explore new narratives, the success of films like I Saw The TV Glow, Wildcat, and Evil Does Not Exist showcases the enduring appeal of original storytelling in the world of cinema.