A24’s latest venture into horror, *Heretic*, has made a promising entrance into the box office arena, starting its journey with $1.2 million earned from previews that kicked off at 7 p.m. last evening. While this figure does not account for the recently conducted sneak previews in Salt Lake City, it marks a noteworthy beginning for the film. Its Thursday preview earnings, while slightly falling short—by $100,000—of the stellar start seen by A24’s *Hereditary* in summer 2018, display a competitive edge nonetheless. These figures are particularly interesting when juxtaposed against other recent horror releases, as *Heretic* surpasses *Imaginary*’s $725K and *Abigail*’s $1 million previews.
In analyzing *Heretic’s* opening trajectory, it is essential to draw parallels with recent horror films. *Abigail*, which premiered in April, opened to $10.2 million, while *Imaginary* followed suit with a respectable $9.9 million debut in March. Standing on the brink of potentially reaching the $10 million to $12 million mark, *Heretic* seems poised to challenge the frontrunner, *Venom: The Last Dance*, which is in its third weekend. This positioning not only showcases the film’s potential to dominate the box office but also highlights A24’s reputation for consistently delivering thought-provoking and commercially viable content.
Critics have responded favorably to *Heretic*, giving it a certified fresh score of 94%. Furthermore, the film has garnered a solid audience rating of three stars from viewers, indicating that it has struck a chord, at least in its introductory phase. This critical acclaim is crucial for sustaining the film’s box office momentum in the weeks to come. An R-rated horror movie featuring Hugh Grant in a leading role is an intriguing proposition, generating a blend of curiosity and anticipation around what the film has to offer.
Moreover, *Heretic* is not the only player in this busy movie weekend, as Lionsgate/Kingdom Story’s *The Best Christmas Pageant Ever* also debuted. Kicking off with $500K from its early previews, this family-friendly film has attracted considerable attention, especially given its connection to the beloved Barbara Robinson book. With early access takings amounting to $2.8 million, *The Best Christmas Pageant Ever* demonstrates a significant appeal to family audiences, with ratings reflecting overwhelming positivity—85% from critics and dazzling figures from general audiences and parents alike.
As *Heretic* embarks on its box office journey, its performance will be closely monitored against these competitive narratives. The interplay between critical reception and audience enthusiasm will ultimately dictate its success and longevity in theaters. With a strong initial showing and robust favorable responses, *Heretic* has the potential not only to captivate horror aficionados but also to challenge the status quo among current box office contenders. As we watch its performance unfold, both the film industry and audiences alike will be eager to see how this horror tale shapes the cinematic landscape over the coming weeks.
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