Debuting modestly on just two screens, yet propelled by an unexpected spring in its step, "Flow" from Sideshow and Janus Films has orchestrated a remarkable opening. It has set a new benchmark for the distributor, boasting a per-screen average of approximately $25.4k, and an impressive $50.8k combined in New York and Los Angeles's theaters. Gints Zilbalodis' enchanting feline narrative, Latvia's official Oscar submission, reigned supreme as the highest-grossing film at NYC's Angelika and secured the third spot at LA's AMC Burbank, trailing only behind the multi-screen showings of "Gladiator 2" and "Wicked."
Driven by enthusiastic families, avid fans of Studio Ghibli's works, and the weekend afternoon crowds lured by the re-release of "Coraline," "Flow" captivated young adults alike. This tale of a brave cat navigating the aftermath of a devastating flood is stirring up Oscar buzz, not only as a potential Best Animated Feature nominee but also as Latvia's first-ever contender for Best International Feature.
After its prestigious premiere at Cannes and earning a critic-approved 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Sideshow/Janus is plotting a nationwide expansion, targeting several hundred theaters on December 6th. This strategic move encompasses upscale commercial chains and key art house cinemas. Why compete with "Moana 2" when "Flow" can cleverly piggyback on its coattails with trailers?
This bold move underscores the distributor's successful streak, which includes "Drive My Car," "EO," and Payal Kapadia's Cannes Gran Prix-winner "All We Imagine As Light," which made a commendable debut last week.
Elsewhere, Cinema Guild's presentation of Hong Sangsoo's "A Traveler's Needs," starring Isabelle Huppert, is estimated to open with $18k at two NYC theaters (Film Forum and Film at Lincoln Center). With Huppert herself in attendance for special preview screenings, the film promises an intimate and exclusive cinematic experience.
"Sabbath Queen," Sandi DuBowski's documentary chronicling the remarkable 21-year transformation of a radical drag queen into a rabbi, is making waves at the IFC Center in NYC. With multiple sold-out screenings, engaging Q&A sessions, and one of the year's highest PSAs for a documentary, the film is projected to rake in $17.5k. Distributed by 8 Above, the film's momentum will carry forward into next week with additional events hosted by Priya Parker of "The Art of Gathering" and Krista Tippett of "On Being." Prior to its Los Angeles debut on December 5, the documentary will expand nationwide in 2025. DuBowski, whose previous work includes "Trembling Before G-d," expressed deep emotion regarding the overwhelming response: "I am profoundly touched by the extraordinary reception from IFC's audiences—sold-out crowds, standing ovations, and even people returning to watch the film multiple times."
Meanwhile, "Porcelain War" from Picturehouse recorded $11.2k at the IFC Center. This documentary, directed by Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev and recipient of the 2024 Sundance Grand Jury Prize for U.S. Documentary, follows three artists who, despite the war's devastation, choose to remain in their native Ukraine, armed with their art, cameras, and, for the first time, guns.
In the wider release sphere, dominated by blockbusters like "Wicked" and "Gladiator 2," Angel Studios' "Bonhoffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin" debuted at number four with $5.1 million. A24's "Heretic" held steady at number seven in its third week, grossing $2.2 million for a cumulative total of approximately $24.8 million. Rounding out the top ten is Searchlight Pictures' "A Real Pain," which earned $1.1 million in its fourth week, bringing its cumulative total to $4.9 million. Worth mentioning is Abramorama's release of "Hello, Love, Again," which, after last week's record-breaking domestic opening for a Filipino film, grossed $931k in its second week, pushing its cumulative total to $4.7 million.
