Exhibitors despaired as none of the new releases last weekend could catch the fourth frame of Warner Bros' 'Tenet' and no title cracked $1 million.
In the normal, pre-COVID-19 era, Christopher Nolan's international espionage thriller 'Tenet' would have been released on 350-plus screens, potentially grossing as much or more than his last two films, 'Dunkirk' and 'Interstellar'.
The closure of cinemas in Australia, the US and many other markets is resulting in a steady stream of movies going straight to digital platforms.
Five new mainstream titles entered the market last weekend - but none could beat the third frame of Warner Bros' Tenet, which is benefiting from repeat business.
The prolonged Australian box office drought has broken thanks to Christopher Nolan's 'Tenet', which proves audiences are willing and able to return to cinemas.
"I’d hoped for a stronger opening for 'Babyteeth' given the reviews and the fact that it’s an Australian film; however there is plenty of time for audiences to discover this gem."
As cinemas around the country prepare to open their doors in July Universal Pictures has set release dates for Shannon Murphy's Babyteeth and Krib Stenders' Slim & I.
Universal/Blumhouse's comedy horror 'Freaky' may have opened on top of the box office last weekend, but newly reopened cinemas in Victoria saw Warner Bros.' 'Tenet' only a step behind.