A24‘s Alex Garland political thriller, Civil War, has had a strong start, earning $2.9M in Thursday previews at 2,931 locations. The film is expected to have an opening weekend of over $20M, which is impressive considering it is A24’s most expensive production with a budget under $60M. A24 has already sold the majority of the foreign rights for the film, but they will be handling the release in the UK and Australia this weekend, followed by major territories next weekend.
This release marks A24’s widest ever, with the film being shown in 3,800 theaters, including IMAX screenings. It is also the widest release for an independent studio with an R-rating. The studio had already earned $2M from advance ticket sales before the weekend even began, indicating strong interest from audiences.
There is optimism that Civil War will perform well in red states, as early screenings in Kansas City and Dallas had positive results. The film has garnered favorable reviews from critics, with an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences are also responding positively, with an 86% rating.
Comparisons for Civil War are difficult to make, but it carries the tone and style of films directed by Oliver Stone and Kathryn Bigelow. The film tackles political themes, which are always relevant and engaging for viewers.
Looking ahead, there are several implications and trends to consider. First, the success of an independent studio like A24 with wide releases and high production budgets challenges the dominance of major studios. This could lead to more opportunities for diverse storytelling and unique perspectives in the industry.
Additionally, the positive audience response to politically-focused films suggests a growing appetite for thought-provoking stories that tackle real-world issues. As the world becomes more politically charged, films like Civil War can offer audiences a unique and cathartic viewing experience.
Furthermore, the success of Civil War in both red and blue states indicates that audiences are open to engaging with political themes regardless of their own personal beliefs. This presents opportunities for filmmakers to create stories that bridge the political divide and create dialogue among viewers.
In terms of recommendations for the industry, studios should continue to invest in diverse storytelling, taking risks on projects that tackle important political and social issues. It is evident that audiences are hungry for these types of stories and are responding positively when done well.
Overall, Civil War’s strong start at the box office and positive reception from audiences and critics alike signals a promising future for politically-focused films. As the industry continues to evolve, it is important for filmmakers and studios to recognize and embrace the demand for stories that reflect the current political climate. By doing so, they can contribute to meaningful discussions and provide audiences with compelling and thought-provoking entertainment.