Saltburn, the captivating gothic romance thriller directed by acclaimed filmmaker Emerald Fennell, has taken the world by storm and is set to be released for streaming on Prime Video on December 22nd. This announcement follows the remarkable box office performance of Saltburn, which saw the film maintain a staggering hold of -10% in its third weekend, earning $1.678M across 1,566 theaters. The film features a star-studded cast including Jacob Elordi, Barry Keoghan, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, and Carey Mulligan, adding to the excitement surrounding its release.
Saltburn’s arrival on Prime Video after a 36-day theatrical window is noteworthy, especially when considering the typical 45-day window for post-pandemic releases. However, it is important to highlight that specialty releases often debut on streaming platforms within a shorter period of time, typically around 17 days. Therefore, Saltburn’s theatrical window, though longer than average, reflects the filmmakers’ commitment to a unique distribution strategy. This approach is reminiscent of the release of their previous film, Air, which made its way to Prime Video after 38 days in theaters, hinting at a deliberate and calculated decision-making process.
The exceptional hold at the box office by Saltburn during the post-Thanksgiving weekend is a rarity, particularly for specialty titles. Typically, such holds are observed when a film is expanding its release or receiving a boost in marketing efforts. Surprisingly, Saltburn achieved this impressive hold despite not following the conventional trajectory. The film saw a significant increase in its grosses on Saturday, with 550 theaters contributing to this success. Notably, these theaters represented a staggering 90% of the film’s overall earnings. The movie’s primary markets, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington, D.C., played a pivotal role in driving its box office triumph.
At present, Saltburn has amassed a substantial $6.3M at the U.S. box office, with its global earnings exceeding $10M. These figures demonstrate the film’s overwhelming popularity and the fervor it has generated worldwide. Audiences have been captivated by the intricate storytelling and mesmerizing performances delivered by the talented cast. Saltburn chronicles the intriguing and complex bromance between two colleagues from Oxford University, Oliver (Barry Keoghan) and Felix (Jacob Elordi). Oliver, the academic, accepts an invitation to spend the summer at Felix’s opulent family estate in the idyllic British countryside, leading to unexpected and thrilling events. Critics have praised Saltburn, rewarding it with a respectable 72% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Saltburn signifies a groundbreaking moment in contemporary cinema. Its success at the box office and anticipation for its digital release exemplify the audience’s hunger for emotionally charged and thought-provoking narratives. The film’s ability to seamlessly combine elements of romance, suspense, and the gothic genre has struck a chord with viewers, sparking discussions and debates about its profound themes. Emerald Fennell’s directorial prowess, coupled with the extraordinary performances from the cast, has elevated Saltburn to a position of distinction within the industry. As the film prepares to make its much-anticipated debut on Prime Video, it is poised to captivate even larger audiences and solidify its place as a modern classic.
Saltburn has defied expectations at every turn. From its remarkable box office performance to its global reach and critical acclaim, the film has emerged as a true phenomenon. As viewers eagerly await its premiere on Prime Video, the legacy of Saltburn continues to grow, solidifying its reputation as a groundbreaking masterpiece in contemporary cinema.