A24’s new comedy, “Friendship,” is garnering significant attention at the domestic box office, rising to number 7 despite being shown on only 60 screens. During its recent weekend release, the film earned $1.4 million, translating to an impressive average of $23,000 per screen, bringing its total earnings to over $2 million.
Directed by Andrew DeYoung, “Friendship” features comedian Tim Robinson as Craig, a suburban dad whose life is shaken up by a new neighbor played by Paul Rudd. The film has achieved a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an 89% approval from critics and an 83% audience score, indicating strong positive reception. Its success is buoyed by excellent word-of-mouth, boosted by favorable exit polls. The film is set to expand to a wider nationwide release over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, positioning it for a sustained run throughout the summer.
In related news, Kani Releasing is making waves with Yoko Yamanaka’s film “Desert of Namibia,” which debuted to sold-out audiences at Metrograph in New York and is projected to have an opening weekend box office of $4,500. The film will expand to Los Angeles next week, featuring exclusive engagements and director Q&As, including discussions centered on its themes of beauty standards and personal struggles.
Moreover, Fathom Events’ transmission of Strauss’s “Salome” has drawn crowds, grossing $622,500 from 800 North American screenings, illustrating the continued popularity of operatic performances in cinemas. This event also highlights a growing trend of special theatrical presentations gaining traction at the box office.
Additionally, Studio Ghibli’s classic “Kiki’s Delivery Service” saw a successful rerelease, achieving over $1 million on 1,062 screens.
These diverse offerings showcase a surge of interest in independent and specialized cinema, promising an exciting season ahead for filmgoers. The continued performance of these films suggests that audiences are increasingly appreciating more unique and heartfelt stories.