A24’s latest horror offering, “Heretic,” directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who previously contributed to the horror hit “A Quiet Place,” has made a notable debut, grossing $1.2 million in preview screenings over the weekend. This significant figure, which does not factor in the earlier sneak peeks held in Salt Lake City, positions “Heretic” just $100,000 short of the preview earnings for “Hereditary,” a critically acclaimed film that debuted in the summer of 2018. In comparison, other recent horror films like Universal’s “Abigail” and Lionsgate/Blumhouse’s “Imaginary” garnered lower previews, indicating a promising start for “Heretic.”
Industry experts predict that “Heretic” could achieve an opening weekend total between $10 million and $12 million, and there’s speculation that it could dethrone Sony’s box office titan, “Venom: The Last Dance,” currently in its third theatrical week. The impressive preview performance suggests that audiences may be eager for sophisticated horror narratives, particularly those crafted by the adept storytellers at A24.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
Upon its release, “Heretic” received a commendable 94% rating from critics, indicating a positive reception from those who scrutinize films through a professional lens. Meanwhile, audiences have rated it with three stars, further signaling a decent yet not overwhelming connection with viewers. Hugh Grant’s involvement adds a layer of anticipation, attracting attention beyond standard horror aficionados. The film’s blend of experienced filmmaking and star power potentially distinguishes it in a market saturated with mediocre horror titles.
Conversely, it’s important to recognize that critical success doesn’t always translate to box office triumph. Thus, while “Heretic” demonstrates promising early numbers and critical acclaim, the dynamics of viewer interest may shift as the weekend progresses. Audience buzz often drives ticket sales beyond initial expectations, emphasizing the importance of sustaining a conversation around the film.
Comparative Box Office Trends
In the competitive landscape of horror films, “Heretic” is pitted against notable releases like “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” from Lionsgate/Kingdom Story, which experienced a modest $500,000 in previews starting at 4 p.m. The total estimate for “Pageant” stands at $2.8 million, fueled by additional early access showings, and it’s tracking toward a $6 million to $8 million weekend. With higher audience scores (99% on the popcorn meter, 4.5 stars overall), it will be interesting to observe how “Heretic” fares against such family-friendly content that, while different in tone, also seeks to captivate audiences during a bustling holiday season.
By examining these initial figures and audience reactions, the trajectory for “Heretic” appears to be one of significant potential. With themes that likely resonate in today’s cultural environment, coupled with A24’s reputation for quality, the film may forge a path that leads to both commercial success and critical discussions long after its theatrical run concludes.
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