Copyright MassLive
Sydney Sweeney’s new boxing film had a rough start at the box office. “Christy” lands in the top 10 for worst box office openings among films released in at least 2,000 theaters, according to Box Office Mojo. The film was released at 2,011 theaters nationwide, earning just $1.3 million, which is around $647 per theater. The reason behind these numbers is unclear, especially as critics have offered solid support, with Rotten Tomatoes rating the movie at 67% on its “Tomatometer.” “‘Christy’ isn’t perfect.... But the movie is good in all the ways that are important, and David Michod directs his cast into strong performances across the board,” San Francisco Chronicle movie critic Mick LaSalle wrote. “‘Christy’ is bound to be remembered as the film that made people take Sydney Sweeney seriously. At this point, anyone who doesn’t is just not paying attention.” The “Euphoria” actor took to Instagram on Monday to defend the film, stating that she is “deeply proud of this movie” and noted that the campaign helped raise awareness for domestic violence. “Thank you to everyone who saw, felt, and believed and will believe in this story for years to come. If Christy gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded,” Sweeney wrote. “So yes I’m proud. Why? Because we don’t always just make art for numbers, we make it for impact. And Christy has been the most impactful project of my life. Thank you Christy. I love you.” Despite her personal message, Sweeney received backlash in the post’s comment section from users who cited her political affiliations and past controversies. “Raise awareness for domestic but support the likes of Trump? Need to make your mind up on that one,” one commenter wrote. “Too late. Was excited for this before you ruined your reputation. But now I just dislike you as a person,” another user said. The criticism stems partly from a previous American Eagle “great jeans” ad campaign that was accused of having racist connotations. During that time, the actor received public support from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Trump even posted on Truth Social “Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the HOTTEST ad out there.” In a recent GQ interview promoting “Christy,” Sweeney addressed the experience of receiving political endorsements during the height of the controversy, simply replying, “It was surreal.”
