Martin Scorsese’s historical crime drama Killers of the Flower Moon saw both critical acclaim and solid box-office proceeds the opening weekend of it theatrical run ahead of its release on Apple TV+.
In terms of dollars, it placed second among movies in theaters now and third among films in Scorsese’s long directing career.
Killers of the Flower Moon sees $44 million opening weekend ahead of Apple TV+ release
In its opening weekend, Killers of the Flower Moon brought in $23 million from 3,628 North American theaters and $21 million from 63 international territories, netting a grand total of $44 million, Variety reported.
That’s not considered all that much for a film that cost $200 million to make, but analysts judge streaming services differently from traditional studios. Box office isn’t necessarily the be-all, end-all for streamers because their bigger profits can come later.
Though not earth-shattering, the earnings make for Scorsese’s third best opening weekend. That’s after Shutter Island earned $41 million in its 2010 debut and The Departed racked up $26.9 million in 2006.
Variety noted it’s impressive especially because stars Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio have not promoted the film during the actors strike.
Widest release yet from a streaming service
Photo: Apple
And the 3.5-hour-long movie is the widest film release so far from any streaming service. It will go to Apple TV+ after its initial theatrical run, though not for “at least 45 days,” the publication said.
Also garnering acclaim from critics and audiences, the movie is based on Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, the 2017 nonfiction book by journalist David Grann. Cult of Mac‘s critic gave it 5 stars, calling it “grueling but important.”
CinemaScore gave the film an A- and it rates 92% “Fresh” on RottenTomatoes.com, Variety pointed out, which bodes well for the remainder of the film’s run in theaters.
“Reviews and audience scores are superb. And Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro are strong draws overseas,” said David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research. “Between word-of-mouth, press coverage and eventual awards nominations, the picture is set up for a strong run now.”
Watch it and other movies on Apple TV+
After its theatrical run, Killers of the Flower Moon will join the film lineup on Apple TV+. It’s available by subscription for $6.99 with a seven-day free trial. You can also get it via any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.
After first airing in November 2019, “Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 299 wins and 1,451 award nominations and counting,” the service said.
Those include multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy Ted Lasso and historic Oscar Best Picture winner CODA.
