In a surprising turn of events, the much-anticipated release of “Sound of Freedom,” the latest creation from Angel Studios, a renowned Utah-based production and distribution venture known for their faith-based cinematic triumphs, has taken the nation by storm. Breaking the mold of traditional box office trends, this political thriller has shattered expectations, captivating audiences in the heartland of America with its powerful message and outstanding performances. The film’s momentous opening day, especially notable in Texas, Arizona, and Florida, signals its emergence as a grassroots phenomenon, transcending the boundaries of conventional cinema.
With the customary spotlight typically reserved for establishments such as AMC Century City 16 in Los Angeles and AMC Empire 13 in New York City, “Sound of Freedom” has risen above the norm. This Utah-based production, known for its unwavering commitment to faith-based projects like the acclaimed “The Chosen,” has carved a distinct niche for itself. However, it is in the heartland, far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, that the film has triumphed spectacularly.
On Independence Day, “Sound of Freedom” burst onto screens nationwide, igniting a flurry of excitement that rivaled even the legendary Indiana Jones. Impressively, the movie garnered $11.6 million on its opening day, narrowly missing the crown to the formidable “Dial of Destiny” by a mere $100,000. However, Angel Studios clarifies that this figure does not encapsulate the complete picture. In reality, the opening-day earnings reached a staggering $14.2 million when factoring in the remarkable $2.6 million generated from third-party ticket sales through Angel’s website.
Read: Dua Lipa’s Sensational Red Carpet Revelation: A Ravishing Affair with the ‘Barbie’ Premiere
At its core, “Sound of Freedom” is a captivating political thriller, propelled by the remarkable talent of Jim Caviezel, best known for his portrayal of Christ in “The Passion of the Christ.” Caviezel embodies the real-life character of Tim Ballard, who served as a dedicated agent for the Department of Homeland Security before embarking on a courageous personal crusade against child traffickers. Ballard’s relentless pursuit of justice, leading to the establishment of Operation Underground Railroad, is the captivating essence of this film. Accompanying Caviezel in this riveting journey are acclaimed actors Mira Sorvino and Bill Camp, who deliver outstanding performances in their own right.
During its debut weekend, “Sound of Freedom” cemented its place in cinema history, securing an impressive third position at the box office. With a staggering $19.7 million earned over a six-day period, the film demonstrated its enduring allure. Comscore, a trusted authority in film analytics, verified these extraordinary numbers for the July 7-9 frame, validating the movie’s unequivocal success.
Remarkably, “Sound of Freedom” emerged victorious in numerous multiplexes, even surpassing notable contenders like “Insidious: Red Door” and “Dial of Destiny.” The film claimed the top spot at various cinemas, including AMC Northpark 15 in Dallas/Fort Worth and Harkins’ Superstition Springs 25 in the Phoenix area, as confirmed by exclusive access to Comscore data. Notably, these two venues ranked third and sixth, respectively, among the film’s top-grossing theaters during its opening weekend. In addition, the film dominated the charts in a Miami/Ft. Lauderdale cinema complex, a Houston theater, a Miami multiplex, and a Salt Lake City venue.
Read: Turkey Extends Full-Fledged Support for Sweden’s Induction into NATO
Leading the pack of Sound of Freedom’s highest-grossing theaters were AMC Burbank 30 and AMC Orange 30 in northern Orange County, followed closely by AMC Northpark, AMC Dine in Thoroughbred in Nashville, Tenn., and AMC Gulf-Pointe30 in Houston. The list also included notable theaters such as Superstition Springs, AMC Garden State Plaza in New Jersey, Regal Edwards South Gate in Southgate, Calif., Cinemark West Plano in Dallas, and Cinemark 16 in Harlingen, Texas.
Noteworthy states that enthusiastically embraced “Sound of Freedom” included Texas, Arizona, Florida, and Utah. These regions, captivated by the film’s thought-provoking narrative and masterful execution, contributed significantly to its tremendous success.
Accompanying this extraordinary triumph, “Sound of Freedom” earned the coveted A+ CinemaScore, an accolade that guarantees an influx of positive word-of-mouth. With a predominantly female audience (58 percent) and a mature demographic, including 57 percent aged 45 or older and 37 percent aged 55 or older, the film resonated deeply with a wide range of viewers.
Directed by Alejandro Monteverde and partially financed through crowd-sourcing, “Sound of Freedom” has transcended its role as a mere cinematic creation. It has blossomed into an unstoppable grassroots movement, capturing the imagination of audiences far and wide. Neal Harmon, the CEO of Angel Studios, acknowledged this extraordinary development, stating, “This movie has now taken on a life of its own to become something more than that, a grassroots movement. The world needs to see Sound of Freedom, and we know that our biggest competitive advantage — our incredible fans and investors — are going to make sure that happens.”
Read: Hugh Jackman Adorns the Iconic Yellow Wolverine Attire in Astonishing Snapshot for ‘Deadpool 3’
While “Sound of Freedom” has been the subject of discussion on QAnon message boards, Angel Studios explicitly clarifies that it is not a QAnon movie. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that Jim Caviezel delivered a speech at a QAnon convention in Las Vegas in late 2021, where he evoked the infamous QAnon slogan, “The storm is upon us.”
As the weeks progress, “Sound of Freedom” continues its captivating run at the box office, engaging audiences with its gripping narrative. In the face of stiff competition from the highly-anticipated release of “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning, Part One,” slated to hit theaters on Wednesday, the film remains steadfast, unyielding in its pursuit of truth and justice.
The unprecedented success of “Sound of Freedom” transcends the realms of conventional cinema. This groundbreaking production has forged its path, capturing the hearts and minds of audiences across the nation. Its spellbinding narrative, coupled with exceptional performances, has birthed a grassroots movement that reverberates with a profound desire for change. As the film continues to resonate with viewers, its impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, solidifying its place in the annals of cinematic history.
