New psychological horror film Smile has Paramount executives beaming after topping the North American box office with an estimated $22 million in weekend ticket sales, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.
The film is the disturbing tale of a therapist (Sosie Bacon, daughter of actors Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick) whose grasp on reality begins to slip after she witnesses a shocking and gruesome event involving a patient.
Another psychological horror film, Warner Bros.’ Don’t Worry Darling, placed second for the Friday-through-Sunday period, pulling in $7.3 million.
With Olivia Wilde acting and directing a cast that includes Florence Pugh, Chris Pine, and pop icon Harry Styles, the film was last weekend’s Number One.
In third, also down one spot, was Sony’s history-inspired The Woman King, at $7 million. Oscar winner Viola Davis stars as the leader of an all-female army of African warriors.
Fourth place went to Universal’s new release Bros, at $4.8 million. Analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research said reviews for the movie – a rare gay romantic comedy from a major Hollywood studio – were “outstanding” thanks to its “knowing and relatable” humor. Billy Eichner co-wrote and stars in the film.
And in fifth was the re-release of 20th Century’s 2009 blockbuster Avatar, at $4.7 million. The studio is hoping the original will help build interest in a high-budget ($250 million) sequel due in December, Avatar: The Way of Water.