'Uncut Gems' Sets New Box Office Record for A24, While 'Cats' Sputters

The Safdie Brothers' intense Adam Sandler-starring thriller Uncut Gems has set a new record for A24. Variety reports that the movie has brought in $18.8 million domestically since it opened on Wednesday, besting Midsommar from earlier in the year to become the distributor's biggest five-day launch.

Following a limited run, Uncut Gems has now brought in a total of $20 million in North America. Midsommar earned $11 million domestically when it opened in July. Uncut Gems, led by an acclaimed performance from Adam Sandler, also stars Lakeith Stanfield, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzal, Julia Fox, Eric Bogosian, and the Weeknd.

A24 has become an indie powerhouse over the past couple of years, continually garnering critical acclaim and awards attention for its films. Hereditary, which was also helmed by Midsommar director Ari Aster, is currently the distributor's best-performing release with $79 million worldwide. Greta Gerwig's coming-of-age story, Lady Bird, is close behind with $78 million. Uncut Gems could outright become A24's biggest hit if it maintains its momentum.

Sandler recently appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where he admitted to being "scared" of coming aboard the movie. He said his wife was able to convince him to star in the movie he's since been "glad" to be a part of.

And while Uncut Gems flourished at the box office, Cats sputtered. According to Variety, the maligned musical is on track to lose $100 million, after pulling in just $38 million at the box office in its first two weekends of release. The film cost $100 million to produce, and an additional $95 million for marketing and distribution. But after becoming one of the worst reviewed films of the year, the feline curio never really stood a chance with audiences.