Beasts of No Nation: Idris Elba film boycotted by cinemas
Will Netflix deal to show Beasts of No Nation on day of cinema release mean it's curtains for movie theatres?
In what may signal a major shift in the battle between traditional cinemas and online streaming services, America's biggest cinema chains are refusing to screen Oscar-tipped child soldier drama Beasts of No Nation. Written and directed by True Detective’s Cary Fukunaga, the film is based on a novel of the same name by Nigerian writer Uzodinma Iweala and stars British actor Idris Elba as a warlord.
Variety reports that Netflix licensed Beasts of No Name this week for $12 million after a bidding war, but America's major cinema chains are now refusing to show the film, because the streaming service plans to make it available on the same date as the theatre release. The four largest US cinema chains, AMC, Regal, Cinemark and Carmike, told Variety they will not show the film because Netflix is refusing to honour the standard 90-day delay between a theatrical debut and a home entertainment release.
Deadline Hollywood reports that Netflix doesn't seem to mind that most theatre owners refuse to show the film. The online streaming service has already planned a similar approach with the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon sequel, The Green Legend. Cinemas have already rejected the film, which Netflix will show later this year, because they don't have exclusivity over its release.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In a statement, Netflix CFO David Wells said: “We'd like to have something that fits the popular taste” and blends “great documentary storytelling with high drama storytelling. You can call it an experiment.”
The move is risky because, as The Guardian points out, Netflix needs the film to be shown in some cinemas if it is to be considered for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which votes on the Oscars and requires films to be shown on the big screen in that calendar year. But Beasts of No Nation still looks likely to secure a release in independent and art house cinemas around America.
In a strategy that may change the way movies are released worldwide, Netflix has been expanding its first-run movie content. It has announced a first film deal with Adam Sandler for a western comedy titled The Ridiculous 6 and a new Pee-Wee Herman movie, Pee-Wee's Big Holiday.
On Screenrant Sarah Moran asks if strategies like this one are killing the movie theatre industry. She says that Netflix is changing the movie distribution landscape, but adds that movie theatres are also having to step up their game by offering enhanced viewing experiences like IMAX, in addition to in-house bars and kitchens.
We have more viewing choices than ever, but Moran believes there are still cinema audiences out there who value the visual effects and sound that a theatre setting can provide. Is it still worth going to the movies? she asks. “YES. Unequivocally, yes.”
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
DOJ settles with Nassar victims for $138M
Speed Read The settlement includes 139 sexual abuse victims of the former USA Gymnastics doctor
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
14 recent scientific breakthroughs
In Depth From photos of the infant universe to an energy advancement that could save the planet
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Who will win the 2024 presidential election?
In Depth Election year is here. Who are pollsters and experts predicting to win the White House?
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
TV to watch in March, from 'The Regime' to 'The 3 Body Problem'
The Week Recommends An authoritarian regime run by Kate Winslet, a sci-fi adaptation from the 'Game of Thrones' creators and more
By Anya Jaremko-Greenwold Published
-
15 toxic relationship movies for Valentine's Day skeptics
The Week Recommends Someone always has it worse than you do
By David Faris Published
-
Best Netflix UK series and films
The Week recommends Sofia Vergara in Griselda, a new One Day adaptation and season three of Bridgerton
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Last updated
-
TV to watch in February, from 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' to 'Avatar: The Last Airbender'
More reboots and a second chance at a live-action 'Avatar'
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Society of the Snow: the tragic real-life story behind new Netflix hit
In Depth Decade-long project from filmmaker J.A. Bayona is 'a moving account' about the survivors of a 1972 plane crash
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Fool Me Once: a guide to Harlan Coben's Netflix thrillers
In depth Latest show from the US writer has topped Netflix's charts but not all of his other TV adaptations have been hits
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
TV to watch in January, from 'Echo' to 'Griselda'
the week recommends January brings a Queenpin's backstory, the return of Kingpin's apprentice and more
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Movies to watch in January, from 'Night Swim' to the 'Mean Girls' musical
The Week Recommends A musical retelling of a cult classic, a biblical parody and more
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published