BREAKING: Adam Driver’s sci-fi action thriller 65, which suffered a tremendous box office failure, is set to find a new audience as it heads to HBO Max starting January 1, 2024. This big-budget film, released in March 2023, is ready to take off again despite its rocky launch.
The film, which earned just $25 million domestically against a $91 million budget, received a dismal 36% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics. In contrast, audiences rated it more favorably at 64%, indicating a divide between critics and viewers. The streaming release comes at a time when viewers are looking for escapism, and 65 offers just that with its chaotic dinosaur-filled narrative.
Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, 65 follows Mills, a professional pilot played by Driver, who embarks on a perilous space mission to fund medical care for his ailing daughter. When an asteroid strikes his ship, Mills crash-lands on an unknown planet, only to discover he’s not alone. He teams up with Koa, a young girl, and they must navigate hostile terrain, realizing they are stranded on Earth during the age of dinosaurs—65 million years ago.
While the film’s premise sounds thrilling, critics have noted its shortcomings. Collider’s review highlights that the much-anticipated showdown between Driver and a T-Rex ultimately disappoints, lacking the impact viewers hoped for. “The sequence just doesn’t feel worth it and passes rather quickly,” the review states, indicating a missed opportunity for a more engaging cinematic experience.
As the film makes its transition to streaming, the question remains: Will it attract enough viewers to justify its hefty production costs? The sentiment among audiences appears to lean towards curiosity, with many eager to witness Driver’s journey through a prehistoric nightmare.
The arrival of 65 on HBO Max is timely, providing a chance for those who missed the theatrical release to experience the film at home. The anticipation surrounding its streaming debut could revitalize interest and spark conversations among fans of the genre.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, 65 serves as a case study in how films can find second chances outside traditional box office expectations. For those looking for a mix of adventure and chaos, this film promises a unique viewing experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Stay tuned for updates as 65 makes its streaming debut, and see if it can turn around its fortunes in the digital arena.
