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How Jim Caviezel’s Faith-Based ‘Sound of Freedom’ Became This Summer’s Unlikely Box Office Hit
Variety ^ | 7/9/2023 | Rebecca Rubin

Posted on 07/10/2023 2:08:00 PM PDT by nickcarraway

“Sound of Freedom,” a religious thriller led by “The Passion of the Christ” star Jim Caviezel, is becoming an unlikely box office savior. The faith-based movie about child sex trafficking has collected an impressive $40 million after six days of release.

“Sound of Freedom” opened last Tuesday, generating a mighty $14.2 million on the Independence Day holiday. The film picked up another $18.2 million between Friday and Sunday, enough to place third on domestic box office charts behind “Insidious: The Red Door” ($32.6 million) and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” ($26.5 million). It’s playing in 2,850 North American theaters, a smaller footprint than “Insidious” and “Indiana Jones (3,188 theaters and 4,600 theaters, respectively).

“As with our July 4th numbers, today’s numbers exceed our expectations, and we’re going to continue this momentum,” said Brandon Purdie, head of theatrical distribution at Angel Studios, the independent studio that’s backing the film, in a statement. “We’re getting messages from all over the country telling us about packed theaters, sold-out theaters and spontaneous standing ovations for the film in numerous locations. Seeing this film has become a must, thanks to incredible word-of-mouth.”

Purdie also thanked AMC, Cinemark and Regal, which are three of the biggest movie theater chains in the country, for “having the courage to release ‘Sound of Freedom’ during the busiest movie season of the year.”

It’s one of the biggest openings in recent times for a faith-based film, according to Comscore, which counts this spring’s Kelsey Grammar-led “Jesus Revolution” ($15.8 million debut), 2019’s “Breakthrough” with Chrissy Metz ($11.2 million debut) and 2018’s Erwin brothers musical drama “I Can Only Imagine” ($17.1 million debut) as other top turnouts for movies that cater to religious audiences.

Hollywood rarely backs films that are geared toward this particular demographic. But when they do, it’s a sector that has proven to reliably turn out in force. A similar crowed helped to propel the low-budget “Jesus Revolution” to $53 million, enough to rank among the top 25 domestic releases of this year. “Sound of Freedom” looks to eclipse those box office returns in a matter of days, as long as momentum sustains during the week.

“Sound of Freedom” was originally set at 20th Century Fox and was completed in 2018 before Disney acquired the studio the following year and shelved the film. It’s now being distributed independently by Angel Studios, which recently released this spring’s Old Testament-inspired “His Only Son” and spent $15 million on the Caviezel-led action-thriller.

Religious and conservative media groups have rallied behind the film, which is partially crowdfunded. The Utah-based Angel Studios used other unconventional efforts to promote the film, including an app that allows people to buy and then donate tickets to those who can’t afford the price of admission. About $2.6 million of opening day sales were earned through the “Pay It Forward” app, which the company framed as a way to raise awareness about child trafficking.

Alejandro Monteverde wrote and directed “Sound of Freedom,” based on the true story of Tim Ballard (Caviezel), a former government agent who embarks on a mission to rescue children from sex traffickers in Colombia. Mira Sorvino and Bill Camp co-star.

Opening weekend audiences were enthusiastic, bestowing the film an “A+” CinemaScore. It’s the only movie playing in theaters right now with that high of a grade. Ticket buyers have been predominately female, while more than 50% of cinemagoers were over the age of 45 years old.

“There’s support for the movie from white conservative political groups, but a third of the audience is Hispanic,” says David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research. “The inspiration, action and Latin America-based story are drawing a diverse audience, not just ethnically,” he adds, “but in age and gender.”

Critics have been mostly positive toward the movie, which holds a 76% on Rotten Tomatoes. Variety chief film critic Owen Gleiberman praised “Sound of Freedom” as “a compelling movie that shines an authentic light on one of the crucial criminal horrors of our time, one that Hollywood has mostly shied away from.”

“Sound of Freedom” has also stirred up some controversy, with detractors accusing the film of embellishing the reality of child exploitation and stoking QAnon conspiracy theories. Rolling Stone called “Sound of Freedom” a “QAnon-tinged thriller,” one that is designed to “appeal to the conscience of a conspiracy-addled boomer.”

Box office analysts say it’s noteworthy that “Sound of Freedom” managed to crack the top five on domestic charts in the heat of summer, a time of year that’s traditionally reserved for big-budget action tentpoles, superhero sequels or escapist romps.

“The strong response to faith-based films reflects a demand by an underserved audience who are hungry for entertainment that reflects their values and beliefs,” says Paul Dergarabedian, a senior Comscore analyst. “Such content can indeed find an enthusiastic audience, generate solid box office and impressive profits for their investors.”


TOPICS: Religion; TV/Movies
KEYWORDS: movies; soundoffreedom
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To: nickcarraway

“’Sound of Freedom’ was originally set at 20th Century Fox and was completed in 2018 before DISNEY acquired the studio the following year AND SHELVED THE FILM.”

Figures. Jerks.

It probably won’t be showing in my little Cow Town, but I will purchase a copy as soon as I can on DVD to help support it. :)


21 posted on 07/10/2023 3:22:37 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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To: MomwithHope

‘Sound of Freedom’ Ping! :)


22 posted on 07/10/2023 3:28:04 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have, 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set. )
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To: nickcarraway

Thanks for the post.

Today driving home at midday (vacation starting), I heard, on the former Rush Limbaugh show (now Clay Travis and Buck Sexton), Jim Caviezel interviewed.

They very smartly let him talk freely, asking an open ended question, then shutting up and letting him talk. (They are a brilliant replacement for the irreplacable Rush.)

He was ON FIRE, wow, he is a fearless AMERICAN fighting for non-woke Orthodox Americanism, which includes (no surprise) JESUS.

I honestly could not believe that he was talking as he did! Who does that now? He’s everything a Freeper could hope to be.

I knew he was Christian and conservative, but WOW!

More power to this movie (which of course is not a “feel good” movie in the traditional sense), but I am definitely going to see it in a theater, if only to make a point with my money.

He is also a genius actor, of course, movies and TV both, which makes it all even better.

I am also going to “pay it forward,” as they have set up, with genius, to encourage the movies that Angel Studios makes.


23 posted on 07/10/2023 3:28:18 PM PDT by Weirdad (Orthodox Americanism: It's what's good for the world! (Not communofascism!))
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To: nickcarraway

The movie is not a religious thriller. I guess if someone mentions God a time or two it becomes a religious thriller.


24 posted on 07/10/2023 3:32:25 PM PDT by dforest
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To: napscoordinator

Corrected:

$60 million
Topline. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny earned the No. 1 spot at the box office in its opening weekend, bringing in $60 million in domestic sales from Friday to Sunday, according to Box Office Mojo—falling far behind the Harrison Ford-helmed franchise’s last film, despite a nearly $300 million budget.

IJ will need to make $500 million to break even after all the advertising and promotional costs.


25 posted on 07/10/2023 3:32:57 PM PDT by PortugeeJoe
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To: nickcarraway
A movie where the bad guys are bad, the good guys are good and right wins in the end is a popular story?

Who knew?

Aside from every story spinner since the days when we began telling tales around the campfire.

26 posted on 07/10/2023 3:35:50 PM PDT by Harmless Teddy Bear (Follow the money. Even if it leads you to someplace horrible it will still lead you to the truth.)
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To: PortugeeJoe

Thank you for the correction. Some seem to be bothered by the Sound Of Freedom doing well.


27 posted on 07/10/2023 3:36:55 PM PDT by dforest
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To: mykroar

The one article I read said 55% of the ticket sales go the producer. That lowers the $40 million to $22 million. Still profitable though.


28 posted on 07/10/2023 3:53:39 PM PDT by The Truth Will Make You Free
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To: Jane Long
"What is wrong with quoting Scripture..."

Normal for us.
Painful for them. They serve Satan, whether they know it or not, (like who doesn't want child molesters exposed?).

And I have seen it - Tuesday, with my wife.

29 posted on 07/10/2023 3:54:10 PM PDT by Psalm 73 ("You'll never hear surf music again" - J. Hendrix)
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>> “Sound of Freedom,” a religious thriller

and there’s that other minor detail... child trafficking!!!

FU, Variety — and who are the predators you’re protecting?


30 posted on 07/10/2023 3:55:42 PM PDT by Gene Eric (Don't be a statist!)
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To: nickcarraway

Anybody who is anti-child rape will love this movie.


31 posted on 07/10/2023 3:57:32 PM PDT by bray (You can tell who the Commies fear.)
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To: nickcarraway
Wife and I saw the movie today. Very powerful and moving!!

While evils like child sex trafficking permeate this world, our government leaders continue to major in minors.

"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." - Matt 18:6

I pray for deliverance for every child sold into this horrendous vile slavery and that you heal them - now Lord - in Jesus name.

Lord, I pray that all child sex traffickers and users come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit and repent. For those with a reprobate seared conscience, who will not repent, I pray you raise up governments around the world to find and exterminate these wicked people - in Jesus name.

32 posted on 07/10/2023 4:19:31 PM PDT by JesusIsLord
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To: nickcarraway

It’s good to see Mira Sorvino (Harvard 1990, magna cum laude in East Asian Studies) playing the protagonist’s wife in this timely film!!!!

https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2002/4/26/triumphant-mira-returns-to-film-as/

Mira Sorvino also works against human trafficking in her off-screen life:

https://www.risenmagazine.com/mira-sorvino/


33 posted on 07/10/2023 4:23:21 PM PDT by Honorary Serb (Kosovo is Serbia! Free Srpska! Abolish ICTY!)
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To: Honorary Serb

Everybody at Harvard graduated magna cum laude back then.

An awful lot of stupid people got honors at Harvard.

They’ve tightened the requirements since then.

Mira’s okay. Just saying that it wasn’t anything to boast about.


34 posted on 07/10/2023 4:33:04 PM PDT by x
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To: x

Mira Sorvino did an actual undergraduate thesis!!!!

https://www.worldcat.org/title/anti-africanism-in-china-an-investigation-into-chinese-attitudes-towards-black-students-in-the-prc/oclc/36014182

And her scholarly work won a prestigious prize for excellence!!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_T._Hoopes_Prize

So she deserved her “magna cum laude”! And as I recall, many graduates received a “cum laude” back then, but not a “magna cum laude”.


35 posted on 07/10/2023 4:44:08 PM PDT by Honorary Serb (Kosovo is Serbia! Free Srpska! Abolish ICTY!)
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To: nickcarraway

Big Political line: A third of the audience is HISPANIC.


36 posted on 07/10/2023 4:44:12 PM PDT by cowboyusa (YESHUA IS KING OF AMERICA! AMERICA FIRST! DEATH TO MARXISM AND GLOBALISM! )
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To: PortugeeJoe

Not to argue over a stupid movie but Indiana brought in 286 million worldwide. Half way to their 500 million you mentioned.


37 posted on 07/10/2023 4:51:09 PM PDT by napscoordinator (DeSantis is a beast! Florida is the freest state in the country! )
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To: nickcarraway

“one of the crucial criminal horrors of our time, one that Hollywood has mostly shied away from.”

They have shied away from making movies about the issue, but Hollywood is familiar with what goes on.


38 posted on 07/10/2023 5:28:53 PM PDT by cdcdawg (Our empire of sodomy is failing as it should. How else could it go? )
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To: devere
I don’t understand why “Sound of Freedom” is described as faith-based and religious. Can anyone explain?

It's "faith-based and religious" only within the echo chamber that Variety lives in. There was ZERO actual religion in the movie. At least they didn't babble nonsense about Q-Anon, unlike the Washington Post or CNN.

39 posted on 07/10/2023 5:53:54 PM PDT by LuxAerterna
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To: nickcarraway
A lot of people are tired of the Hollywood flimflam.

40 posted on 07/10/2023 6:41:21 PM PDT by BitWielder1 (I'd rather have Unequal Wealth than Equal Poverty.)
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