'Fabelmans', 'Banshees', 'Bones and All' Pull the Ripcord and Hit PVOD on December 13

Multiple sources confirm that PVOD rigs will debut two of the main award contenders – “The Fabelmans” (Universal) and “The Banshees of Inisherin” (Searchlight) – on December 13th. "Bones and All" (United Artists), an even more recent version, will also join them on this date.

For "Banshees", the date comes 53 days after its first appearance. But for "Fabelmans," it will only be 32 days after Steven Spielberg's drama hits a theatrical platform, and 23 days after it begins its wider release. The "Bones" VOD date arrives 25 days after the platform, 18 days after wide.

Summary: The promise of a Christmas boost is no longer enough. And waiting until the even bigger surge in Oscar nominations (this year, January 24) seems impossible.

Other contenders "TÁR" (Focus) and "Till" (United Artists) as well as "Armageddon Time" (Focus) and "Triangle of Sadness" (Neon) are also part of the October specialty releases that have already home viewing options. However, the early PVOD appearance of "Fabelmans" and "Banshees," rather than playing during the once lucrative holiday season, is a sign of a drastically changed world for these movies.

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Compared to the pre-COVID era, revenue for specialty films is far worse than for mainstream studio titles. The PVOD placement is a disappointment in this decisive period; for these films, fall and the holidays are what summer is for studios. It looks even worse after this summer's very strong performance of "Everything Everywhere All at Once" (A24) which, with a domestic take of $70 million and four months of theatrical exclusivity, even surpassed the winner of best 2020 movie "Parasite".

Assuming that the audience appeal of these films resembles that of previous years' releases, it appears that the core audience of films aged 40 and over has declined sharply. The films also face accelerated playoffs with fewer platforms and limited print runs, earlier release, screening in many more theaters followed by a quick home presence. All this weighs on the urgency to see in theaters.

Even after two awards seasons in which top nominees got no play (or, in most cases, early home viewing), it still seems odd. More than anything, he points out that PVOD revenue is essential (about $14 from each transaction goes to the distributor). It's showcase hell, but it's essential to ensure funding for similar films in the future.