Los Angeles, California – The surprise box office success of the romantic comedy film “Anyone But You” has caught the attention of the film industry in recent weeks. Starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, the movie initially had modest results, earning $6 million in its first weekend in the US and £1.2 million in the UK. However, it has shown strong staying power, outpacing its debut in subsequent weekends and making nearly $10 million in its third weekend in the US.
The film’s success can be attributed to positive word of mouth and the lack of winter films catering to female audiences. According to Daniel Loria, SVP of The Boxoffice Company, it is increasingly rare for a film like “Anyone But You” to perform strongly week after week. He notes that in the era of streaming, studios often pull underperforming films from cinemas quickly. However, Sony, the studio behind “Anyone But You,” has not invested heavily in streaming platforms and still follows a traditional theatrical release strategy.
“Anyone But You” marks a resurgence for the romantic comedy genre, which has primarily been relegated to streaming services in recent years. Scott Meslow, author of “From Hollywood With Love: The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of the Romantic Comedy,” explains that big studios shifted their focus to high-budget blockbusters, neglecting mid-range romcoms. However, Netflix’s success with romcoms led to a renewed interest in the genre, with studios like Sony reinvesting in romantic comedies.
While films like “The Lost City” and “Ticket to Paradise” have bigger stars and more widespread marketing campaigns, “Anyone But You” has already surpassed their box office numbers in the US. One crucial factor in its success is its release during the winter season, where it faces limited competition. Without major holiday season blockbusters, the film had extra showtimes and opportunities to attract audiences through word of mouth.
The film’s appeal to female audiences is another aspect contributing to its success. Hannah Strong, digital editor at Little White Lies magazine, believes “Anyone But You” resonates with audiences who enjoy frothy, funny, and easygoing films. Additionally, the movie breaks the trend of chaste and watered-down romcoms by embracing sexuality. This departure from the norm, offering an adult-focused romantic comedy, has resonated with viewers weary of formulaic films.
The chemistry between Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, both rising stars, has also played a role in the film’s success. Rumors of an on-set romance created buzz during production, but it is unlikely that tabloid gossip significantly impacted the box office numbers. Instead, the film’s triumph can be attributed to a combination of attractive lead actors, effective marketing, and a well-crafted story.
In conclusion, “Anyone But You” has defied expectations with its strong box office performance, signaling a potential resurgence for the romantic comedy genre. The film’s success can be attributed to positive word of mouth, the absence of major competitors, and a return to more adult-focused storytelling. As the film industry continues to navigate the pandemic landscape, “Anyone But You” serves as a reminder that well-made, entertaining films can still captivate audiences.