‘1917’ Starts Strong, ‘Just Mercy’ Shows Promise, But ‘Uncut Gems’ Dominates Box Office

1917” (Universal) is the standout new limited release, placing it among the best of the year and boosting its upcoming dates and awards chances.

Just Mercy” (Warner Bros.) and “Clemency” (Neon), both serious dramas focusing on the death penalty, weren’t as strong but each performed at the levels expected.“Uncut Gems” (A24), hardly typical wide-release holiday fare, also stood out, with $20 million so far with five days of wide release added to its initial strong limited start.Of note: “The Irishman,” “Marriage Story,” and “The Two Popes” — Netflix’s three awards contenders — are all down to minimal theater play (though New York and Los Angeles full-page newspaper ads convey otherwise).

Spot-checking grosses, it appears all are now getting all their viewing via streaming.

By comparison, “Roma” was adding theaters at this point (with a slightly later debut).Opening1917 (Universal) – Metacritic: 80$570,000 in 11 theaters; PTA (per theater average): $51,818; Cumulative: $1,008,000Universal

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