It cost less than a single franchise reshoot day. It is outgrossing three of them combined. Welcome to the new economics of the summer movie.
Why it is everywhere right now
Audiences wanted a story that did not arrive pre-explained. The film gave them mystery, restraint, and enough confidence to let word of mouth work.
The smallest movie in the room made the loudest entrance.
What comes next
Studios will chase the feeling, not the method. The smart ones will protect the directors who can still make a small film feel like an event.
