The film is the disturbing tale of a therapist (Sosie Bacon, daughter of actors Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick) whose grasp on reality begins to slip after she witnesses a shocking and gruesome event involving a patient.
“This is an excellent opening, the kind that launches a new horror series,” said analyst David A Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research. Such horror films, he noted, tend to have low budgets but loyal audiences – two things studios love.
Indeed, another psychological horror film, Warner Bros’ “Don’t Worry Darling”, placed second for the Friday-through-Sunday period, pulling in US$7.3 million.
With Olivia Wilde acting and directing a cast that includes Florence Pugh, Chris Pine and pop icon Harry Styles, the film was last weekend’s No. 1.
In third, also down one spot, was Sony’s history-inspired “The Woman King”, at US$7 million. Oscar winner Viola Davis stars as the leader of an all-female army of African warriors.
Fourth place went to Universal’s new release “Bros”, at US$4.8 million. Gross said reviews for the movie – a rare gay romantic comedy from a major Hollywood studio – were “outstanding” thanks to its “knowing and relatable” humour. Billy Eichner co-wrote and stars.
And in fifth was the re-release of 20th Century’s 2009 blockbuster “Avatar”, at US$4.7 million. The studio is hoping the original will help build interest in a high-budget (US$250 million) sequel due in December, “Avatar: The Way of Water”.
Rounding out the top 10 were:
- “Ponniyin Selvan I”, with US$4.1 million (but does it meet expectations?)
- “Barbarian” (US$2.8 million)
- “Bullet Train” (US$1.4 million)
- “DC League of Super-Pets” (US$1.3 million)
- “Top Gun: Maverick” (US$1.2 million)