Sony Pictures International’s latest release, YOLO, made its mark this weekend with a solid domestic debut. The comedy drama grossed an impressive $840k on 200 screens, securing the 9th spot on the weekend’s top 10 list. Directed, produced, and starring China’s leading female filmmaker, Jia Ling, the film has already amassed close to $482 million in China since its premiere on Feb. 10. YOLO emerged as the highest-grossing film during the Lunar New Year holiday, captivating audiences with its heartwarming story. The plot revolves around Le Ying, an unemployed woman in her 30s who resides with her parents until a chance encounter with a boxing coach changes her life forever. Produced by New Classics Pictures and Big Bowl Entertainment, YOLO is a testament to Jia Ling’s talent and the growing popularity of Chinese cinema on a global scale.
Another highlight of the weekend was A24’s crime thriller, Love Lies Bleeding, directed by Rose Glass. The film, featuring a stellar cast including Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Ed Harris, Dave Franco, Anna Baryshnikov, and Jena Malone, delivered the highest per screen average and one of the best limited openings of the year. With a gross of $167.5k on five screens in NY/LA, Love Lies Bleeding showcased its potential for success and critical acclaim. The anticipation for the film’s moderate nationwide expansion to 1,200 theaters in the following weekend is palpable, as audiences eagerly await to be enthralled by its gripping narrative and exceptional performances.
In a noteworthy debut, Roadside Attractions introduced the audience to Accidental Texan, a film that grossed an estimated $141,270 on 134 screens. The movie’s intriguing premise and engaging storytelling resonated with viewers, laying the foundation for a successful theatrical run. As the buzz around Accidental Texan continues to grow, its impact on the indie film landscape is sure to be substantial, as it captures the essence of storytelling in its purest form.
Among the Oscar-nominated films continuing their successful run at the box office, Searchlight Pictures’ Poor Things stood out with a gross of $300k on 700 screens, elevating its domestic cume to $34 million. Similarly, The Zone Of Interest maintained its strong performance, amassing a domestic cume of $8.158 million after a $195k weekend on 534 screens. Neon’s Perfect Days, directed by Wim Wenders, garnered $300k on 240 screens in its fifth week, reaching a cume of $2.7 million. Additionally, Tran Anh Hung’s The Taste of Things continued to captivate audiences, surpassing expectations with a domestic cume of $2.7 million since its release on Valentine’s Day. The film’s unique blend of love and food as universal themes resonated with viewers of all ages, creating a special connection that transcended cultural boundaries.
The weekend box office results reflect a diverse array of films that have made a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. From the success of Chinese cinema to the critical acclaim garnered by Oscar-nominated films, the film industry continues to evolve and entertain viewers with its rich storytelling and compelling performances. As we look ahead to the upcoming releases and award season, one thing is clear – cinema has the power to unite us, inspire us, and transport us to different worlds, making it an essential part of our cultural landscape.