UK-Ireland Box Office: A Weekend of Thrills and Thought-Provoking Cinema

This weekend has brought a bustling flurry of cinematic excitement to the box offices across the UK and Ireland, with numerous highly anticipated films making their debut in over 550 cinemas. Among the most notable are *Prima Facie*, *Lee*, *Speak No Evil*, and *The Critic*, all vying for attention and audiences eager for new stories.

Leading the charge is the National Theatre Live’s re-release of Prima Facie, which is showing in a remarkable 679 locations. Initially gracing screens in July 2022, this one-woman show featuring the phenomenal Jodie Comer broke records by raking in £1.5 million on its premiere day. It soared to become the highest-grossing event cinema release at the time, ultimately accumulating nearly £5 million before being surpassed only by the ultimate blockbuster, *Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,* which garnered an impressive £12 million during its run. *Prima Facie* follows the gripping journey of a female criminal defense lawyer who faces moral dilemmas while defending men accused of sexual assault.

Another exciting release is Lee, making its debut in 610 cinemas. This inspiring biopic showcases the life of Lee Miller, a former fashion model who shattered gender norms to become a remarkable war correspondent during World War II. With acclaimed actress Kate Winslet not only starring but also producing the film, *Lee* promises both depth and star power. The ensemble cast includes talents like Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgard, Andrea Riseborough, and Josh O’Connor, all under the masterful direction of Ellen Kuras, known for her work on *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*.

In the thriller category, Speak No Evil is making its presence felt in 595 venues. This English-language adaptation of a celebrated Danish horror film revolves around two families whose weekend getaway takes a sinister turn as dark secrets emerge. Starring James McAvoy, the film underscores the ongoing fascination and draw of horror stories at the cinema, following recent successes such as Disney's *Alien: Romulus*, which hit £12 million, and *