The vampire thriller “Nosferatu” has taken the box office by storm, shattering expectations and delivering a hauntingly good $21.6 million over the traditional weekend and $40.8 million since debuting on Christmas Day. The film’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of horror, atmosphere, and cinematography, which has drawn in fans of the genre.
Directed by Robert Eggers, “Nosferatu” tells the story of a terrifying vampire who stalks a haunted young woman, and its remake is the first adaptation of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent film in over 40 years. The film’s unconventional release date on Christmas Day has helped it stand out from the crowd, with many audience members citing it as an “event” picture.
Industry analysts attribute the film’s success to its ability to tap into the post-COVID trend of younger males returning to theaters. The film’s unique style and attention to detail have also left a passionate following among cinephile fans, making it a must-see for horror enthusiasts.
The film’s critical reception has been solid, with an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and audiences grading it a “B-” on CinemaScore. With its $50 million budget, the film’s box office staying power is encouraging, and it looks set to have a merry theatrical run.
In contrast, other holiday releases such as “Mufasa: The Lion King” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” have dominated the box office, but “Nosferatu”‘s success signals that there is room for alternative fare in the genre. As studio head Lisa Bunnell notes, “Trying to do something different with ‘Nosferatu,’ a hard R-rated movie, was reacting to the post-COVID [trend] that younger males have been the biggest demo that’s back to theaters.”
Source: https://variety.com/2024/film/box-office/nosferatu-box-office-hit-christmas-debut-1236261471