The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on Hollywood, and not just in terms of delayed releases and shifting consumer preferences. In this article, we delve into the stories of 15 exceptional films that, despite their artistic merit, failed to find their audience during these challenging times. From acclaimed directors to promising newcomers, these movies deserve a second look, not just for their overlooked greatness but also for the unique circumstances that led to their box office struggles.
West Side Story: A Musical's Struggle
Steven Spielberg's bold re-adaptation of West Side Story, released in the winter of 2021, showcased his stylistic prowess and launched the careers of Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose. However, it faced an uphill battle, as audiences, weary of being cooped up, gravitated towards blockbuster action instead. The film's older demographic target was less inclined to risk infection, leading to a disappointing box office performance despite critical acclaim.
In the Heights: A Musical's Misstep
Jon M. Chu's vibrant adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway hit, In the Heights, should have been a celebration of the 'post-COVID' summer. With a brilliant score and a timely story, it had all the ingredients for success. Yet, Warner Bros.' controversial decision to release it simultaneously on HBO Max dampened its box office potential. The film's fate was a cautionary tale of the impact of streaming on theatrical releases.
The Last Duel: A Sword-Wielding Drama's Demise
Ridley Scott's return to the genre with The Last Duel was a thematically rich period drama. However, it suffered from a lack of interest in adult dramas, a trend that affected other releases like West Side Story. Scott's infamous blame on millennials for the film's failure overshadows the real issue: a changing movie-going landscape.
Nightmare Alley: A Neo-Noir's Nightmare
Guillermo del Toro's Nightmare Alley tackled post-pandemic themes with his signature style. Yet, it fell victim to the same pitfalls as West Side Story, released just a week later. The surge in COVID cases during the holiday season further deterred audiences, despite the film's critical acclaim and Best Picture nod.
News of the World: A Western's Bold, Yet Risky Move
Tom Hanks' reunion with Paul Greengrass for News of the World was a creative endeavor in a post-Marvel landscape. However, its theatrical release during the winter of 2020 was ill-timed, competing with streaming releases like Soul and Wonder Woman 1984. The film's target audience, older and more vulnerable, was understandably hesitant to return to cinemas.
Last Night in Soho: A Unique Horror's Struggle
Edgar Wright's Last Night in Soho, a unique blend of horror and nostalgia, faced an uncertain reception. While it explored contemporary anxieties, its marketing deviated from Wright's usual style, potentially alienating his core audience. The film's performance highlights the challenges of attracting audiences back to cinemas during the pandemic.
Spencer: A Royal Biopic's Limited Reach
Casting Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in Spencer was a masterstroke. The film humanized Diana, offering a raw and brilliant performance. However, its release during awards season, with other contenders like King Richard and Licorice Pizza, limited its reach. In a different year, this biopic could have performed significantly better, given the enduring fascination with the royal family.
The Tragedy of Macbeth: A Shakespearean Masterpiece's Limited Release
Joel Coen's solo directorial debut, The Tragedy of Macbeth, was a visually stunning adaptation. However, its release was blunted by streaming acquisitions. Apple TV's limited theatrical release, primarily for awards consideration, resulted in a meager box office performance, despite Denzel Washington's career-high performance.
The Card Counter: An Overlooked Gem
Paul Schrader's The Card Counter, starring Oscar Isaac, was a gripping anti-revenge thriller. However, its commercial ceiling was always low, given Schrader's limited mainstream appeal. The film's release during the sleepy month of September further diminished its impact, making it an overlooked gem in Isaac's filmography.
First Cow: A Slow-Burn's Uncertain Fate
Kelly Reichardt's First Cow, an exquisite slow-burn, explored modern economic struggles through a 19th-century lens. However, its release was disrupted by the pandemic. A24's quick pivot to VOD services overwhelmed consumers, and the film's potential breakthrough was stifled. Despite critical acclaim, its box office performance was modest.
Saint Maud: A Terrifying Debut's Delayed Release
Rose Glass' directorial debut, Saint Maud, was a terrifying examination of faith. Its release was delayed by the pandemic, and A24's decision to lock it away for over a year impacted its reception. Chloé Zhao's Nomadland, which followed a similar release trajectory, went on to win Best Picture, highlighting the impact of timing on a film's success.
Petite Maman: A Heartwarming Drama's Limited Reach
Céline Sciamma's Petite Maman, released during the pandemic, was a heartwarming drama about grief and loss. Its fantastical elements and clear-eyed view of childhood problems made it a unique and stirring experience. However, its lack of a meaningful theatrical release in the U.S. prevented it from reaching a wider audience.
Wolfwalkers: An Animated Gem's Streaming Struggle
Cartoon Saloon's Wolfwalkers, an animated gem, faced the challenge of streaming competition. With Apple TV's limited theatrical release and the success of Trolls World Tour, the film struggled to find its audience. Its superb animation and distinct visual style deserved a wider appreciation.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always: A Critical Acclaim's Tragic Release
Eliza Hittman's Never Rarely Sometimes Always was a critically acclaimed drama about America's abortion system. Its release date, March 13, 2020, was arguably the worst possible timing. Theaters shut down almost immediately, and its VOD pivot failed to recover its box office performance. Hittman's career deserves a second chance on the big screen.
These 15 films, despite their artistic merits, struggled to find their audience during the pandemic. Their stories highlight the unique challenges and changing dynamics of the film industry during these unprecedented times. It's a reminder that great art can sometimes be overlooked, and that the circumstances of release can have a profound impact on a film's legacy.
