A24’s drama “Sing Sing” starring Colman Domingo has made a splash at the box office with the third-highest limited opening and per-screen average of the year so far. The film, set against the backdrop of the Sing Sing Correctional Facility, grossed an impressive $137,119 on just four screens for a per-screen average of $34.3k. Despite its limited release, “Sing Sing” has garnered critical acclaim, boasting a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. A24 has reported that the film’s exit scores are the highest the distributor has ever recorded, indicating strong word-of-mouth buzz. The film will remain on four screens in New York and Los Angeles throughout July, with a nationwide expansion planned for August.
Indian Cinema’s Impact
“Indian 2,” director S. Shankar’s Tamil-language political action thriller and sequel to the 1996 film “Indian,” has also made its mark at the box office. The film is projected to earn approximately $1.97 million on 1,065 screens, with additional revenue coming from Imax previews in North America. In recent weeks, Indian films have been a staple in the top ten, with titles like the sci-fi epic “Kalki 2899 AD” and the romantic comedy “Jat & Juliet 3” gaining popularity among audiences. The success of “Indian 2” highlights the growing influence of Indian cinema on the global stage.
Touch from Focus Features, directed by Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Kormakur, has also had a promising opening. The romantic thriller, which spans decades and continents, follows one man’s emotional journey to find his lost love. The film debuted at 315 theaters in North America and has received positive reviews, boasting a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. “Touch” has grossed $470k in its opening weekend, signaling a strong start for the film. Similarly, Searchlight Pictures’ “Kinds of Kindness,” starring Emma Stone and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, has continued to perform well in its fourth week in theaters, with a cumulative total close to $4.7 million.
In addition to the aforementioned films, indie distributor Neon’s upscale horror film “Longlegs” has had a successful opening weekend, grossing $22 million. Other indie openings, such as Nicole Riegel’s “Dandelion” and Luke Gilford’s “National Anthem,” have also made their mark at the box office. These diverse offerings showcase the variety and quality of independent cinema currently captivating audiences.
The indie film scene continues to thrive, with a range of titles making waves at the box office. From critically acclaimed dramas to genre-bending thrillers, indie filmmakers are pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with their unique storytelling. As the landscape of cinema evolves, indie films remain a vital and exciting part of the industry, offering audiences fresh perspectives and engaging narratives.