The Chinese horror-thriller "Evil Unbound" has captivated audiences across the country, racking up over 700 million yuan (about $98.1 million) in box office revenue, including pre-sales, as of 9:30 a.m. Beijing time on Saturday. This milestone positions the film as one of the season's biggest surprises, challenging expectations for homegrown genre releases.
Released just two weeks ago, "Evil Unbound" combined a tight social media strategy with immersive storytelling to build early buzz. By tapping into fan communities on short-video platforms, the film's marketing team generated more than 120 million views of behind-the-scenes clips and interactive trailers. Analysts note that this online momentum translated into robust opening-weekend sales, which accounted for nearly 40% of the current total.
Data from ticketing platforms shows that metropolitan areas like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou led the charge, contributing nearly half of the total revenue. However, emerging film centers in second and third-tier cities are closing the gap, reflecting the rising appetite for diverse cinematic offerings beyond major urban hubs.
For young global citizens and entertainment enthusiasts following international box office trends, "Evil Unbound" underscores a shift in viewing habits. Local productions that blend universal themes – such as identity, fear, and redemption – with innovative storytelling can compete head-to-head with international blockbusters. Industry experts predict that if the film maintains its current daily earnings, it could cross the 1 billion yuan mark within the next ten days.
"Evil Unbound"'s journey from script to screen highlights how data-driven marketing, coupled with grassroots fan engagement, can propel films to unexpected heights. As moviegoers seek fresh narratives and immersive experiences, the success of this horror-thriller offers a blueprint for future domestic releases aiming for global relevance.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
