Dystopian thriller scores biggest opening in studio A24 history and is expected to close the weekend with over $20 million
The dystopian thriller “Civil War,” starring Wagner Moura, topped the U.S. and Canadian box office on its opening day and preview sessions, grossing $10.7 million in 3,838 theaters.
The score represents the indie studio’s biggest box office opening, surpassing the $5.1 million “Hereditary” collected in 2018. The horror film still holds the record for A24’s biggest opening weekend, with 13.5 million dollars, which should be easily beaten by “Civil War.” The film is expected to take in $26 million by Sunday (4/14), a new record for A24.
More records that can be broken
Screening in premium large format theaters, such as Imax, contributes to the film’s success and could push the production to break the box office records of other studios.
The most successful film in A24 history is 2023’s Oscar-winning “Everything in Everywhere at Once,” which grossed $77 million domestically and $143 million worldwide. The studio’s other hit titles include “Uncut Gems” ($50 million), “Lady Bird” ($48.9 million) and last year’s horror hit “Talk to Me” ($48 million).
A24’s most expensive project
For A24, the success of “Civil War” takes on even greater significance, as it is also the most expensive feature film the company has ever made, with a budget of $50 million, plus additional costs for marketing and distribution. The film represents the largest-scale project to date for the indie studio, which two years ago raised $225 million in investment and received a $2.5 billion valuation.
Critical and public reception
Reviews were mostly positive, leading the film to earn an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences were more divided, with the CinemaScore poll giving it a B-, reflecting the political polarization reported by the production.
Plot and cast
In the controversial plot, 19 states seceded from the Union, forming an army of Western forces that advanced against the military might of the Eastern states in the United States. Reflecting the real division created in the country during Donald Trump’s government, the film follows a group of journalists trying to cover the advance of the military, aligned with far-right ideology, against the country’s capital. Targeted by gunfire and bombs, the journalists are played by Wagner Moura (“Narcos”), Kirsten Dunst (“Melancholia”) and Cailee Spaeny (“Priscilla”).
The cast also includes Jesse Plemons (“Killers of the Flower Moon”), Nick Offerman (“The Last of Us”), Stephen McKinley Henderson (“Beau’s Afraid”), Jefferson White (“Yellowstone”) and Sonoya Mizuno (“House of the Dragon”). Written and directed by Alex Garland, director of award-winning science fiction films such as “Ex-Machina” and “Annihilation”.
It is scheduled to premiere on Thursday (4/18) in Brazil, a week after its US launch.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
