A24 has established itself as a powerhouse in modern horror cinema, delivering several groundbreaking films that have left an indelible mark on the genre. Among its top five highest-grossing films, two are in the horror category: Hereditary and Talk to Me. The distributor has been instrumental in nurturing talents like Ari Aster, whose work has become synonymous with A24’s identity, particularly with the iconic Midsommar. Last year’s horror film, Heretic, also triumphed at the box office, grossing over $58 million worldwide and garnering favorable reviews.
However, A24’s recent foray into horror has encountered considerable challenges. Despite the success of Heretic, there have been notable failures, including films like The Front Room and Y2K, which struggled to resonate with audiences both critically and financially. Most recently, Opus, led by Ayo Edebiri, opened to disappointing numbers, reaching only $2.1 million against a projected budget of $10 million, compounded by lackluster reviews reflecting a mere 41% on Rotten Tomatoes. Unfortunately, A24’s latest horror venture appears to be following suit.
Struggles for Death of a Unicorn at the Box Office
Facing Tough Competition from Blumhouse
A24’s Death of a Unicorn had a modest debut, unable to surpass a competing horror film released by Blumhouse. The movie’s storyline follows Ridley and her father, Elliot, who inadvertently hit a mystical yet menacing unicorn while en route to a corporate retreat in the wilderness. This unexpected encounter spirals into a blend of comedy and horror, featuring a talented cast that includes Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd, David Pasquesi, Richard E. Grant, and Will Poulter.
According to Box Office Mojo, the film generated just $5.7 million over its opening weekend. While it made it into the top five at the box office, this performance still placed it behind Blumhouse’s The Woman in the Yard, which opened with $9.4 million.
The Future of A24’s Horror Genre
A Urgent Need to Restore Their Horror Reputation
The lackluster performance of Death of a Unicorn raises concerns for A24 as it continues to navigate a rocky path in the horror film landscape. Looking ahead, A24 has another horror project scheduled for release soon: Bring Her Back, directed by Talk to Me filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou, which is slated for the end of May. The hope is that this upcoming film will find a better reception with audiences, as A24’s horror reputation hangs in the balance.
Source: BOM