Guy Ritchie's adventure thriller 'Fountain of Youth' has become Apple TV+'s most-watched release to date, amassing 765.5 million minutes of viewing in its opening week alone, despite receiving a 35 percent rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and a 38 percent audience score.
Record-Breaking Viewership
The film, starring John Krasinski and Natalie Portman alongside Eiza González, Domhnall Gleeson, and Stanley Tucci, has maintained a position in Apple TV+'s top 10 chart for 342 days. This remarkable longevity surpasses other platform hits, including 'Ted Lasso' and 'Severance,' according to data reported by the Mirror.
Apple TV+ launched in 2019 and has since produced award-winning content such as 'CODA,' which won the Oscar for Best Picture. However, 'Fountain of Youth' has outperformed expectations for a film that lacked wide theatrical distribution.
Critical Reception vs. Audience Success
Despite scathing reviews, the film has cultivated a devoted fanbase. One Rotten Tomatoes user wrote in a four-star review: "If you don't take it too seriously it's an enjoyable caper. Think Indiana Jones meets Dan Brown with a sprinkling of The Mummy." Another viewer on IMDb described it as "excellent family fun adventure with an Indiana Jones feeling."
The film's success positions it as a potential candidate for a sequel. Only 'The Family Plan' starring Mark Wahlberg has previously earned a sequel on Apple TV+, with its follow-up released last year.
Director's Comments
Director Guy Ritchie told Entertainment Weekly: "It was one of those films that you don't really want to end. People had such a lovely time doing it that they'd love to go back for another bite. So, we'll have to see how we do. We'd all love to go back."
'Fountain of Youth' is available to stream on Apple TV+.
