Christian Drama 'War Room' Scores Big on Labor Day Weekend Raking in Over $12 Million
"War Room," a Christian drama that focuses on the power of prayer directed by the Kendrick brothers, scored another big weekend during Labor Day as the film took in over $12 million following a successful opening week.
The movie is the highest-grossing faith-based film of the year and is the most successful of the genre since 2014's "Heaven Is For Real."
"Through several key elements including the strategic screen expansion, the targeted chase media campaign and promotions, the growing support from the core audience as well as leaders, churches, organizations and ministries in the faith community we were able to ensure greater awareness of an access to 'War Room' this past weekend," said Tana Evans, vice president of marketing and distribution for AFFIRM Films, which distributed the film along with Sony and Provident Films.
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"There is obviously a demand for quality content that resonates with the faith audience ... that is affecting the lives of millions of people across the country and the world," added Evans.
"War Room" was directed by filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, the same team behind hit Christian films such as "Courageous," "Facing the Giants" and "Fireproof."
This latest film marked their highest opening to date, earning $11 million on its first weekend. It was the No. 2 film in the country falling slightly behind the N.W.A. rapper biopic "Straight Outta Compton."
"War Room" stars T.C. Stallings, Priscilla Shirer and Karen Abercrombie. It is the first film from the Kendrick brothers that features African-Americans in the lead roles.
"When we started writing out the plot, it occurred to us that this movie would be more powerful or passionate as told from an African-American," said Alex Kendrick to The Hollywood Reporter last month. "The African-American church is more visceral, they are more expressive and there is a powerful passion to their prayers."
"War Room" was able to achieve a strong opening despite being shown in one third of the number of theaters as mainstream films such as "Straight Outta Compton," according to The Warp.
The first Friday of its release "War Room" tied "Straight Outta Compton" with $3.8 million, an indication of the success to come.
"We are ecstatic! God totally gets the credit for what's happening," Stephen Kendrick said in a statement. "Thousands of people have been praying for this movie. With all of our inadequacy, God keeps taking what is said to be impossible and makes it undeniable. We are so grateful."
