A24 Delivers Another Hit: New Horror Thriller Scores Big On Rotten Tomatoes

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

4.7

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Rotten Tomatoes Score and Critical Acclaim

"The Haunting of Blackwood Manor" boasts a stunning 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, solidifying its position as a critically acclaimed horror thriller. This impressive rating is further bolstered by a strong audience score of 88%, demonstrating widespread appeal amongst viewers. Prominent critics have lauded the film's masterful cinematography, praising its use of shadows and unsettling angles to build suspense. The performances, particularly the lead actress's portrayal of the haunted protagonist, have also received significant praise. One critic from Variety described it as "a masterclass in atmospheric horror," while another from The Hollywood Reporter called it "a chilling and unforgettable descent into madness."

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92% (Critics), 88% (Audience)
• Critical Quotes: "A masterclass in atmospheric horror" - Variety; "A chilling and unforgettable descent into madness" - The Hollywood Reporter.
• Comparison to other A24 horror films: While not quite reaching the heights of Hereditary's critical acclaim, "The Haunting of Blackwood Manor" shares a similar commitment to psychological dread and unsettling imagery, placing it firmly within A24's canon of successful horror films alongside Midsommar and The Witch.

Box Office Performance and Financial Success

The film's opening weekend saw a remarkable $25 million box office haul, exceeding expectations and outperforming similar horror releases in recent months. This strong debut suggests a trajectory towards significant long-term success, especially given the overwhelmingly positive critical reception. Compared to other recent A24 releases, this is a particularly strong start, surpassing the opening weekend numbers of several previous titles. With a relatively modest budget, the film is already showing strong signs of profitability, promising a healthy return on investment for A24.

• Opening Weekend Box Office: $25 million (USA)
• Long-term Potential: Projections suggest the film could easily surpass $75 million domestically, based on current momentum.
• Budget vs. Box Office: With a reported budget of $12 million, "The Haunting of Blackwood Manor" is already demonstrating a significant return on investment.

The Film's Unique Selling Points and Genre-Bending Elements

"The Haunting of Blackwood Manor" stands out for its innovative blend of psychological thriller and supernatural horror. It avoids relying solely on jump scares, instead building a pervasive sense of dread and unease through its atmospheric visuals and compelling narrative. The film's unique plot twist, revealed in the third act, completely subverts audience expectations and adds a fresh layer of complexity to the narrative.

• Unique Plot Elements: The unexpected reveal of the true antagonist, a clever twist on a classic haunted house trope.
• Atmosphere and Suspense: Masterful use of sound design, lighting, and cinematography to heighten the sense of unease and dread.
• Genre-bending Aspects: The seamless blend of psychological thriller elements with classic supernatural horror tropes.

Impact on the Horror Genre

The success of "The Haunting of Blackwood Manor" is likely to influence future horror films. Its focus on atmosphere and psychological dread over cheap jump scares could inspire a renewed emphasis on slow-burn horror, mirroring the success of films like The Babadook. The film's innovative approach to classic horror tropes also signals a potential shift towards more nuanced and complex storytelling within the genre, pushing boundaries and challenging expectations.

• Influenced Movies: Films that prioritize atmosphere and slow-burn storytelling, like The Babadook and The Witch.
• Future Trends: A potential move away from jump-scare-heavy horror towards more sophisticated psychological and atmospheric narratives.
• Innovative Approach: The film's unique take on classic haunted house tropes demonstrates a willingness to subvert genre conventions and offer fresh perspectives.

Conclusion

"The Haunting of Blackwood Manor" is a resounding success, boasting a stellar Rotten Tomatoes score, strong box office performance, and a unique approach to horror storytelling. A24 once again proves its ability to deliver high-quality, critically acclaimed films that push the boundaries of genre filmmaking. Don't miss this critically acclaimed A24 horror thriller! Check local listings for showtimes and grab your tickets now! Share your thoughts using #A24Horror #NewHorrorMovie #RottenTomatoes #TheHauntingOfBlackwoodManor.