Director Alex Garland’s Civil War stormed the box office, raking in an impressive $25.7 million during its debut weekend, variety.com reports.
This dystopian masterpiece not only shattered records as A24’s top opener but also claimed the throne as the highest-grossing R-rated start of the year.
Anticipation swirled around the film’s release, with initial projections falling short of its actual performance. Starring Kirsten Dunst as an intrepid journalist navigating a fractured America, Civil War tapped into the zeitgeist, sparking curiosity among audiences eager to witness its portrayal of a polarised nation.
Image: Everett CollectionDespite a modest CinemaScore of “B-,” A24’s knack for pushing boundaries and inciting discussion ensured the film’s success. With a production cost of $50 million, it’s the studio’s most ambitious project yet, but savvy international rights sales have already begun offsetting the investment.
David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research hailed the film’s opening as a triumph for the dystopian thriller genre, noting its skillful navigation of potentially divisive themes. Meanwhile, at the box office, Civil War faced little competition, with holdovers like Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire maintaining solid positions.
As the industry grapples with a 16% dip compared to the previous year and a 31% decline from pre-pandemic levels, Civil War stands as a beacon of success, injecting vitality into the theatrical landscape.
