Sydney Sweeney has addressed the poor box office performance of her latest film, Christy, which opened to just $1.3 million in the US over the weekend. The R-rated biographical drama, directed by David Michôd, had one of the worst openings ever for a film released in more than 2,000 theatres.
In an Instagram post, Sweeney wrote: 'We don’t always just make art for numbers, we make it for impact. And Christy has been the most impactful project of my life.' The film tells the story of trailblazing boxer Christy Martin, from her upbringing in West Virginia to her rise in the 1990s, and also depicts the abuse she suffered from her coach-turned-husband.
Despite mixed reviews, some critics praised Sweeney's performance as worthy of award consideration. However, Guardian critic Benjamin Lee described the film as 'a by-the-numbers slog'. Sweeney highlighted the film's focus on domestic violence, saying: 'This film stands for survival, courage, and hope.'
Christy is the first theatrical release from indie company Black Bear, which produced it for $15 million. It is the latest in a series of box office disappointments for Sweeney this year, following Eden and Americana. The film also reflects a broader trend of adult-oriented dramas struggling to attract audiences in theatres.
