The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on the film industry, and not just in terms of box office numbers. As we delve into the stories behind some of the best movies that flopped during this challenging period, we uncover a complex web of factors that led to their unfortunate fate. From ambitious musical revivals to thought-provoking dramas, these films deserve a second look, not just for their artistic merit but also for the insights they offer into the shifting sands of cinema during a global crisis.
The Impact of COVID on Hollywood's Big Releases
The pandemic forced Hollywood to grapple with an unprecedented dilemma: how to release films in a world where theatrical experiences were suddenly risky and uncertain. Studios delayed, dumped, or released films in unconventional ways, often to the detriment of these carefully crafted stories. The result? A list of forgotten films that deserve a closer examination.
West Side Story: A Musical's Struggle
Steven Spielberg's ambitious re-adaptation of West Side Story faced an uphill battle. Released during a time when audiences were returning to theaters, but not necessarily for musical revivals, the film struggled to find its audience. Despite critical acclaim and a stellar cast, West Side Story's $76 million gross fell short of its $100 million budget. The film's failure highlights the delicate balance between artistic vision and market trends.
In the Heights: A Sun-Soaked Musical's Fate
Jon M. Chu's adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway hit, In the Heights, was a victim of both timing and studio decisions. With the promise of a 'post-COVID' summer, the film's vibrant and timely story should have been a hit. However, Warner Bros.' controversial decision to release its entire 2021 slate on HBO Max undermined the film's box office potential. In the Heights made over $45 million worldwide, but fell short of its $55 million budget. This case study raises questions about the impact of streaming on theatrical releases.
The Last Duel: A Sword-Swinging Drama's Demise
Ridley Scott's return to the genre with The Last Duel was met with critical acclaim, but not box office success. The film's unique structure and compelling themes were overshadowed by a lack of interest in adult dramas during the pandemic. Scott's infamous blame on millennials for the film's failure is a controversial take, but it highlights the shifting dynamics of audience engagement. The Last Duel's $30 million gross against a $100 million budget is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by prestige films during this period.
Nightmare Alley: Del Toro's Financial Failure
Guillermo del Toro's Nightmare Alley, a neo-noir thriller tackling post-pandemic themes, earned critical acclaim and an Oscar nod. However, it became del Toro's toughest financial failure, grossing just under $40 million against a $60 million budget. Released a week after West Side Story, the film fell victim to the same audience apathy towards adult dramas. The surge in COVID cases during December further dampened its prospects. Despite its artistic merits, Nightmare Alley's box office performance underscores the challenges of releasing dark, complex films during a global crisis.
News of the World: A Western's Bold Attempt
Tom Hanks' reunion with Paul Greengrass for News of the World was a bold move, especially given the film's theatrical release during the winter of 2020. With new releases hitting streaming services, the film's attempt to draw audiences back to cinemas failed. Despite Hanks' stellar performance, the film made a surprising $12 million, a testament to the actor's drawing power but also a reflection of the changing dynamics of movie-going during the pandemic.
Last Night in Soho: A Unique Horror Experience
Edgar Wright's Last Night in Soho, a horror film exploring contemporary anxieties, faced a mixed reception. While it grossed about $23 million against a $43 million budget, the film's marketing and divided critical reception may have turned audiences away. With a target audience similar to that of Dune, the film's failure raises questions about the impact of marketing and critical consensus on a film's success.
Spencer: A Royal Biopic's Modest Performance
Casting Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in Spencer was a bold choice, and the film earned critical acclaim. However, its release during a crowded awards season, with other contenders like King Richard and Licorice Pizza, may have impacted its box office performance. With a modest budget and gross of $25 million, Spencer's performance is a reminder that even well-received films can struggle during challenging times.
The Tragedy of Macbeth: A Shakespearean Masterpiece's Limited Release
Joel Coen's solo directorial debut, The Tragedy of Macbeth, is a stunning adaptation that showcases Denzel Washington's career-high performance. However, its release was blunted by streaming acquisitions and a limited theatrical run. With a reported gross of just over $500,000, the film's fate highlights the challenges of releasing prestigious films during a pandemic, where streaming often takes precedence.
The Card Counter: Oscar Isaac's Overlooked Performance
Paul Schrader's The Card Counter, starring Oscar Isaac, was a gripping anti-revenge thriller. However, its low commercial ceiling and release during a 'sleepy' September meant it was destined to be overlooked. With a gross of $5 million against an unknown budget, the film's performance is a reminder of the challenges faced by character-driven, subtle films in a blockbuster-dominated industry.
First Cow: A Slow-Burn Masterpiece's Early COVID Victim
Kelly Reichardt's First Cow, a slow-burn masterpiece exploring economic struggles, was one of the first films to be blindsided by COVID. Released on March 6, 2020, the film's $1.3 million gross against a $2 million budget is a testament to its resilience. The film's early release and subsequent VOD availability highlight the challenges of releasing independent films during a pandemic, where audience attention is divided.
Saint Maud: A Terrifying Debut's Delayed Release
Rose Glass' directorial debut, Saint Maud, received critical acclaim but faced a delayed release due to COVID. With a gross of $1.6 million against a $2.5 million budget, the film's performance is a reminder of the challenges faced by indie films during a pandemic. The film's journey, similar to that of Nomadland, underscores the impact of delayed releases on a film's box office performance and cultural impact.
Petite Maman: A Fantastical Drama's Limited Reach
Céline Sciamma's Petite Maman, a fantastical drama about grief and loss, faced limited theatrical release in the U.S. despite its critical acclaim. With a $2 million box office haul, the film's performance is a reminder of the challenges faced by arthouse films during a pandemic, where streaming often takes precedence.
Wolfwalkers: An Animated Masterpiece's Streaming Struggle
Cartoon Saloon's Wolfwalkers, an animated masterpiece, faced a similar fate to Petite Maman. With a gross of $1.3 million, the film's performance highlights the challenges of releasing animated films during a pandemic, where streaming often dominates.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always: A Critical Acclaim's Tragic Fate
Eliza Hittman's Never Rarely Sometimes Always, a critically acclaimed drama, faced the worst release date in American cinema history. With theaters shutting down almost immediately, the film's VOD pivot failed to recover its costs. Grossing less than $900,000 worldwide, the film's fate is a tragic reminder of the impact of the pandemic on independent films.
As we reflect on these films, it's clear that the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the film industry, shaping the fate of even the most promising projects. These stories serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between artistic vision, market trends, and external forces beyond the control of filmmakers. Despite their box office struggles, these films deserve recognition for their artistic merit and the insights they offer into the complex world of cinema during a global crisis.
