A24 continues to make waves in the film industry, albeit with a mix of successes and setbacks. The studio’s latest horror release, labeled as 2024’s least favorably received film, has surprisingly found its audience through streaming platforms after struggling to impress in theaters. A24 first dipped its toes into the horror genre with Robert Eggers’ critically acclaimed The Witch in 2015, setting a precedent for atmospheric storytelling over conventional jump scares—an ethos that has resonated through subsequent hits like Talk to Me, Ti West’s X trilogy, and Ari Aster’s Hereditary and Midsommar.
The transition into 2024 shows promise for A24, with the majority of its releases receiving high praise from critics. Notable mentions include their Oscar contenders such as Sing Sing, which boasts a remarkable 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, and The Brutalist, carrying a strong 92%. The horror genre within A24’s lineup has also performed well, with films like I Saw the TV Glow scoring 84%, MaXXXine at 72%, and Heretic achieving an impressive 91%. However, the studio faced challenges as two of its most significant disappointments this year came from the horror category—The Front Room (42%) and Y2K (44%).
The Front Room’s Streaming Success
Ranking High on Max’s Top 10 in the US
Despite its lukewarm reception at the box office, The Front Room has capitalized on the growing trend of streaming success. Directed by Max and Sam Eggers, the film follows a newly pregnant couple, Belinda and Norman, as they navigate the complexities of taking in Norman’s estranged and ill stepmother, Solange. With notable performances from Brandy as Belinda and Kathryn Hunter as Solange, the film is gaining traction on Max.
Following its debut in September, The Front Room has surged in popularity, securing a position in Max’s Top 10 list in the United States for over a week, currently sitting at sixth. This ranking places it beneath established titles like Den of Thieves and Juror #2 while outperforming other films such as The Accountant and Warcraft, demonstrating its appeal in the streaming market.
Implications of The Front Room’s Streaming Success
A Step Towards Redemption for Box Office Disappointments
Although 2024 has been largely successful for A24, The Front Room remains a notable exception. Critics recognized Kathryn Hunter’s compelling and unsettling portrayal of Solange, yet the film’s reliance on scatological humor detracted from its overall horror appeal, ultimately leading to a disappointing box office haul of merely $3.2 million. However, the film’s newfound streaming success on Max may serve to somewhat mitigate these setbacks, positioning it as a unique case within A24’s extensive portfolio of films this year.
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