‘His Only Son’ Crashes Box Office Party
Angel Studios' film earns more than $5 million, but that's not the whole story
“His Only Son” celebrated Easter a week early.
The Angel Studios’ film, the first in its new wave of theatrical releases, came in third place in early box office estimates over the weekend. Deadline.com reports the faith-based drama brought in $5.5 million on just under 2,000 screens.
That’s roughly half of what most major new releases score.
Here’s the film’s official description:
Abraham (Nicolas Mouawad), his son, and their two servants journey for three days to the place of the offering. Along the way, the men encounter dangers and trials as Abraham silently relives memories spanning the decades he and his wife Sarah (Sara Sayed) longed for the son God had promised…the son he must now lay upon the altar. Answering age-old questions as to why the Lord would require such a sacrifice, HIS ONLY SON profoundly explores mankind’s relationship to God and encourages viewers to turn inward and ask: Can your faith still stand when you are asked to give everything?
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Critics mostly ignored the title – only four Rotten Tomatoes-approved scribes weighed in on the site. Mike McGranaghan of AisleSeat.com handed it three out of four stars.
The idea of what it means to have faith is depicted in many Christian-themed films. This particular film makes it really hit home.
Audiences filled that chasm, giving the movie a 95 percent “fresh” rating.
The story behind “His Only Son” is nearly as compelling.
The film’s budget was a minuscule $250,000, smaller than even most indie features. Former U.S. Marine David Helling, who directed and co-wrote “His Only Son,” served from 2005 to 2010, including a stint in Iraq.
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He went to film school courtesy of the G.I. Bill, and “His Only Son” marks his first feature-length film following five shorts.
The film’s P&A budget (Prints & Advertising) were covered by a crowdfunding campaign, which Angel Studios says marks an industry first.
The film, like many released in recent years, endured sizable delays due to the pandemic. Helling says it took roughly five and a half years from start to finish, but those delays proved fortuitous.
“It seems like Christ is on the minds and the mouths of so many people around the country and around the world and it’s like, ‘Wow, this film could not come out at a…better time,” Helling told Fox News.
A $5 million haul isn’t just noteworthy for an indie film with no major studio behind it. Several Oscar-bait films from last year’s awards season made less in their opening frame. Think “She Said,” “Tar,” “Bones and All” and “The Banshees of Inisherin.”
I took my mom to see the movie and we both loved it. I can’t wait to see Jacob. These are the movies I want to see on the big screen. I have not gone to the movies in years because of the worldly mess that’s out there today.
We need to vote with our dollars folks
Invested. Pay Forward, done. Plan to see/view movie, again, before leaves theater. My mind/soul/spirit thirsts to comprehend are relationship with the Divine/God/Christ…
It was amazing! The story was so well done. Helling clearly put his heart and soul into his production. I love his vision to make other biblical movies. I immediately prayed for God to make a way for me to be able to support these efforts. As soon as I got home from the theater, I paid it forward for others to see it in the theater.
Movies like His Only Son are desperately needed in this time when evil is out in full force. I have seen more movies in the theater in 2023 than I have in like 5 years. They have all been quality Christian productions. Most of the Hollywood productions, I wouldn’t see for free or even if I was paid to see them.
Agree! Wholeheartedly! Hollywood doesn’t get good scripts most of the time or they choose badly.
Worth seeing. Connects the Easter Episode to God’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
He does not expect Abraham to do the same, his willingness is enough.
Kudos to David Helling for staying faithful to the assignment from God
They should have kept his name as the Hebrew form, Avraham.
Oh come on don’t start to be like the Hebrew Roots Movement Zealot People who always think that everyone and everything has to be in Hebrew!!!!!!
Can’t wait to see this Movie in Australia,
Finding a Theatre though is not easy ..
Angel studios congratulations on the success of the Chosen & now “His Only Son! “.
Hi Lyn, it is showing at all Hoyts cinemas until 5 April. That is a large chain. I don’t know if it will be extended another week though.
It was so much better than I expected… The trailer didn’t impress me, but I have read the holy scriptures or Bible and know the account of Abraham and Isaac…
Being curious as to how this would be portrayed on the big screen, I decided to check it out.
My faith walk was challenged… and I was provoked in my soul to examine my attitude towards God, depth of belief or trust in Him and changes that need to happen! Will tell others to go see this movie. It is well worth the time, money and effort.
Wonderful movie, very powerful and emotional. Will pull you in to the story,characters and truth of the Bible.Bring a tissue….Karen
This movie was amazing I could feel the emotion of Abraham and the struggle Sarah had. I thought when I watched the trailer and was overcome with tears this is going to be great. I will say this movie didn’t disappoint, even my Jewish friend loved it. I thank God that people like Helling are making biblical movies and spreading Gods word.
Not only was this a simply beautiful and touching Christian film but an interfaith film that can be shared and appreciated by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It captured the biblical story accurately with just the right amount of creativity. Really impressive acting, costuming, film quality, and definitely worth the time and money. I recommended it to my family and friends while still sitting in the theater. Most importantly however, was that the film reverently pointed to the sacrifice God made when he sent Jesus Christ to be the sacrificial lamb for mankind.
“His Only Son” is truly a wonderful film. The interpersonal relationships were spot on. The film production was the best, especially in the scene where Abraham pleaded for God to take him not his Son. The visual of Christ’s garment in the corner as Abraham was definitely dramatic and reminded me that Christ has our back!
Fantasy fiction. But fun!
You can always spot the closet miserable left leaners.
It takes an open minded and intellectual capacity greater then it is to be a close minded, simpleton that is then non believer in the truth that there is something way larger and more important then what u see in ur life here.
You can always spot the people who question their faith in secret. They always lash out with bile and insult whenever encountering pushback. You can also spot the liars, they’re the ones who show the least amount of love, compassion, or acceptance. Closed mind indeed.
You can always spot the people who question their faith in secret. They always lash out with bile and insult whenever encountering pushback. You can easily find the liars as well, they’re the ones who show the least amount of love, compassion, or acceptance. Closed mind indeed.
Feelings hurt by nonbelievers huh snowflake?
Not fiction. FACT
Not fantasy. Truth!
Did you watch the same movie the others that have responded here watched???
Not sure what you are saying? God is truth
Or is it….?
It is was a great movie and so biblical! It was done so well! I loved it. Going again to see it.
Worth seeing and looking for other meaningful movies like this.
So glad that there are movies we can go to without all the world junk. Thank you!
Great movie definitely seeing it again.
I saw it I invested…and payed it forward and it was time and money well spent!
Bless you Kobie and am doing the same…
Amen…”the chosen “should be out there for the world to see as well
My husband and I saw the movie, it’s wonderful. May God continue to use you to extend his kingdom here on earth.
My husband and I just saw the movie and it was so much more than I expected. God wants us to be trusting and patient in Him. Abraham certainly was. I’ve paid it forward and monthly support The Chosen. All these wonderful projects are bring the Bible to life. Blessed Holy Week everyone
Your words are so true that “it really brings the Bible to life”! Amen & Amen