First Horror Movie of 2025 Launches with Impressive Rotten Tomatoes Score

The year 2025 kicks off with the release of its first horror film, The Damned, which has garnered notable acclaim on Rotten Tomatoes. Building on a successful 2024 for horror, featuring hits like A Quiet Place: Day One, Smile 2, and Alien: Romulus, this new film shows the genre’s resilience and popularity, driven largely by established franchises. The trend of sequels and prequels dominated the box office last year, yet The Damned stands out as a potential original success story.

Box Office Expectations and Trends for 2025

As Hollywood gears up for 2025, industry analysts are keeping an eye on evolving box office dynamics. The aftermath of the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes seems to be winding down, yet the impact of streaming services and a lingering reluctance for in-theater experiences due to the pandemic may continue to shape audience behavior. Still, the recent success of horror films suggests a robust demand for original content that captivates viewers and encourages them to return to cinemas.

Critical Reception of The Damned

Exceptional Rotten Tomatoes Scores

The Damned, directed by a talented newcomer, features Odessa Young (known for A Million Little Pieces) in the lead role of Eva, a widow tending to her deceased husband’s fishing grounds. Her encounter with a shipwrecked crew unleashes chaos when she and her team confront and kill the notorious sailors, resulting in a haunting that forces Eva to confront her moral compass. This film, with a runtime of nearly 90 minutes, dives deeply into psychological horror and ethical dilemmas.

Critical Divide and Audience Reactions

While critics have lauded the film for its writing and performances, some reviews highlight a slower pace that could disengage certain audiences. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film has achieved an impressive 86% Tomatometer score. However, audience reactions seem mixed, with some praising the cinematographic expertise and setting, while others express disappointment over the film’s pacing.

Our Insights on The Damned’s Potential

Implications for Horror in 2025

Given the positive reception from critics, The Damned appears poised for success, reminiscent of films like Longlegs and Alien: Romulus, both of which achieved acclaim in a competitive market. While the film faces challenges typical for original properties—primarily the lack of built-in audience recognition—it benefits from strong promotional word-of-mouth. Competition remains fierce, particularly with titles like Nosferatu in the running, but prospects for The Damned look favorable as it gears up for streaming in the future.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

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