In a surprising turn of events, director Eli Roth’s latest horror offering, “Thanksgiving,” has not only carved its way into the horror genre but also into the box office record books, setting a new standard for post-holiday horror movie success.
Inspired by Roth’s parody trailer featured in the 2007 double feature Grindhouse, “Thanksgiving” explores the chilling narrative of a Pilgrim-clad murderer conducting a spree of revenge killings in the lead-up to Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Patrick Dempsey, Addison Rae, Milo Manheim, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Nell Verlaque, and Gina Gershon.
Over its second weekend, “Thanksgiving” achieved an unprecedented 5-day gross of $11.1 million at the domestic box office, securing its position at No. 5 on the charts. Impressively, the film experienced a mere 31% drop in its second week, making it the horror movie with the smallest drop in 2023. Traditionally, horror films see drops exceeding 50% after their opening weekend, making “Thanksgiving’s” performance a notable exception.
However, as the Thanksgiving weekend concludes, questions arise about the film’s sustainability beyond its namesake holiday. Will the slasher flick continue to captivate audiences, or was its success merely fueled by the festive spirit of Thanksgiving? The upcoming release of Christmas-themed films like “Silent Night” and family-friendly movies like “Wonka” poses potential competition.
Comparing “Thanksgiving’s” performance to the broader horror movie landscape in 2023 adds another layer of significance to its achievements. While other horror films experienced drops above 50%, “Thanksgiving” managed to maintain a solid hold on its audience. Yet, the real test lies ahead as it navigates the post-Thanksgiving landscape, competing against a diverse array of cinematic offerings.
Costing a modest $15 million to produce, “Thanksgiving” is well on its way to turning a profit. Crossing the $30 million mark would likely secure its financial success and open the door to the possibility of a “Thanksgiving 2.” With a global gross of $29.1 million already, the film seems poised to achieve this milestone, even if it faces a significant drop in its third weekend.
The film’s fate remains uncertain, but its potential success suggests that it might maintain a strong grip on horror enthusiasts, especially with a lack of major wide-release scary movies in December. As the cinematic landscape evolves, “Thanksgiving” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of horror and its ability to cut through the noise, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what the future holds for this unexpected box office triumph.
