Title: “Barbie Dominates Box Office, while “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” Struggles to Find Its Audience”
Subtitle: August Box Office Surges with Blockbuster Hits, but Amblin/Universal’s Horror Film Fails to Make Waves
Date: [Insert Date]
Image Source: John Phillips/Getty Images/Warner Bos. /Courtesy Everett Collection
The August box office is experiencing a significant boost in ticket sales this year, thanks to the success of films like “Barbenheimer,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” and “The Meg 2: The Trench.” This weekend’s earnings are projected to exceed $111 million, marking a growth of 65% compared to the same period last year. However, the release of Amblin/Universal’s “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” stands out as a disappointing misfire, considering the lack of major box office flops this summer.
While films like “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” have faced uncertainties due to their high production costs and COVID-related challenges, they have managed to generate substantial box office revenue, albeit not as much as initially expected. However, “The Last Voyage of the Demeter,” with its meager $6.5 million opening, is particularly noteworthy given its status as the only major studio wide release this weekend.
Amblin is known for producing mid-budget genre films with elevated themes, although not as economically cautious as Blumhouse. Previous releases like “Captive State” and “Come Play” have experienced mixed results. The horror film “Last Demeter” will have to rely on secondary revenue streams to recover, as its lackluster theatrical performance suggests limited appeal to audiences. The marketing campaign’s failure to create buzz, coupled with a non-starry cast, has hindered its prospects.
The film, directed by André Øvredal, faces the challenge of attracting both core horror fans and sophisticated audiences due to its period horror genre. Films like Guillermo del Toro’s “Crimson Peak” and “Nightmare Alley” faced similar difficulties, despite their star power. The results, with disappointing openings and modest grosses, indicate the challenges inherent in this particular genre.
Initial reactions from critics and audiences have not been favorable, with a 45% Rotten Tomatoes score and a B- CinemaScore. The film’s online presence and social media metrics also fall below average for a horror film, indicating a lack of excitement and engagement among potential viewers. The limited ability of the cast to promote the film on social media further hinders its marketing efforts.
On the other hand, Warner Bros’ “Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig, continues to dominate the box office. It has surpassed $1.13 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing live-action film by a female filmmaker globally, surpassing the record set by “Captain Marvel.” After just 22 days, it crossed the $500 million mark in the domestic market.
In conclusion, while August box office earnings are thriving with the success of blockbuster films, “The Last Voyage of the Demeter” has failed to capture audiences’ attention. The film’s marketing, genre, and lack of star power seem to have contributed to its underperformance. Meanwhile, “Barbie” continues to be a major success, breaking records and solidifying Greta Gerwig’s position as a pioneer in female-directed films.