The horror film genre has been thriving in the last few months, with numerous releases captivating audiences and generating significant box office returns. Among these, Neon’s latest offering, “The Monkey,” stands out as it approaches the potential to become the highest-grossing horror film of the year to date (YTD). With projections estimating an opening weekend take of between $12 million and $14 million following a notable $1.9 million in previews, it’s clear that “The Monkey” is making strides to join the ranks of successful horror titles.
One of the most striking aspects of “The Monkey” is its impressive preview earnings, which include not only traditional screening slots but also advance showings. Directed by Oz Perkins, known for his previous triumph “Longlegs,” this film has already proven itself to be a significant draw at the box office for Neon. Interestingly, the $1.9 million from previews places it just below “Longlegs,” which earned $3 million in similar slots before opening to a solid $22.4 million. This trend reflects Neon’s effective marketing strategies, though it appears that audience interest for “The Monkey,” while high, has seen a dip in comparison to its predecessor.
It’s pivotal to note that “The Monkey” has surpassed the advance screening earnings of other recent horror hits, including New Line’s “Companion,” which brought in $1.7 million and landed at $9.3 million during its official opening. This sets a promising stage for “The Monkey,” which has raised awareness through traditional advertising, showcasing a blend of creativity with promotional materials that range from visually arresting posters to engaging lobby experiences featuring giant chimp displays.
Understanding audience demographics sheds light on the film’s reception thus far. Data from Comscore/Screen Engine’s PostTrak indicates that approximately 63% of viewers arriving for the previews were aged 18-34, suggesting a keen interest among younger audiences. However, the film’s interest level is reportedly seven points lower than that of “Longlegs,” hinting that while enthusiasm remains, it might not translate to the same level of commercial success.
The film has also garnered a decent reception from critics and audiences alike, with Rotten Tomatoes scores indicated—73% among viewers and 80% from critics—cementing its status as a certified fresh title. Such scores often correlate positively to box office performance, suggesting that if viewer turnout aligns with critical reception, “The Monkey” could see a successful run in theaters.
Neon’s momentum does not stop with “The Monkey.” The studio is concurrently building anticipation around another project, “Anora,” which recently won accolades at the Cannes Film Festival and is a contender at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, vying for the Best Feature recognition. The potential for “Anora” to achieve significant awards, including wins at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and Producers Guild of America (PGA), could enhance Neon’s reputation heading into the critical Oscar season.
Furthermore, the competitive landscape for box office dominance included recent performances from Disney’s “Captain America: Brave New World,” which successfully topped box office rankings with an estimated $113 million after its first week. The film’s expected continued performance, projected to surpass $30 million this weekend, indicates a broader trend where superhero films are still commanding audience attention, thereby creating a crowded field for horror and genre films like “The Monkey.”
As “The Monkey” prepares to open to audiences, it stands as a testament to the enduring popularity of horror films in the current cinematic landscape. Factors such as marketing strategies, audience demographics, and critical reception will play a crucial role in determining the film’s ultimate success. By examining these elements, we not only get a clearer picture of “The Monkey” but also gain insights into the operational fabric of the film industry amidst a growing competitive arena. As we move forward, it will be interesting to witness how “The Monkey” performs and what this means for the horror genre and Neon’s ambitious slate of films in the near future.