A24’s recent release, “I Saw The TV Glow,” has made a significant impact on the limited openings in the film industry this year. Directed by Jane Schoenbrun, this ’90s era trans coming-of-age horror-thriller managed to gross an impressive $116.3k at just four theaters in New York and LA, with a per screen average of $29k. This success marks Schoenbrun’s second outing after the acclaimed “We’re All Going To The World’s Fair,” establishing them as a promising and edgy new voice in the industry.
Another notable release in the independent film market is Oscilloscope’s “Wildcat,” which premiered at Telluride and is directed and co-written by Ethan Hawke. Starring Maya Hawke as Flannery O’Connor, the film garnered an estimated $58.1k on four screens in NY/LA. With sold-out showtimes over the weekend, a strong engagement from key talent, and a targeted marketing campaign, the film has managed to capture the attention of audiences and critics alike.
“Sideshow/Janus Films” release of Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Evil Does Not Exist” is also making waves in the independent film market. The film, which explores the disruption of life in a rural hamlet outside Tokyo when developers come in to build a lavish glamping site nearby, has seen an estimated $43.3k on three screens. With a per-screen average of $15k, the film is set to expand to the top 10 markets next weekend and to over 200 theaters by May 24th.
On the other hand, GKIDS animated sci-fi “Mars Express” had a challenging debut, earning only $95.7k on 250 screens. Despite the film’s less-than-stellar performance at the box office, it is clear that independent films are still finding their place in the market and attracting audiences with unique storytelling and engaging narratives.
The specialty market for independent films is showing signs of life with the success of recent releases like “I Saw The TV Glow,” “Wildcat,” and “Evil Does Not Exist.” These films, each with their distinctive style and storytelling, are proving that there is still a demand for original and thought-provoking content in the industry. As the market continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see what new voices and stories emerge in the world of independent cinema.