Ridley Scott’s 2023 historical epic is a streaming sensation after a box office failure

Ridley Scott is known for investing money in his films. Whether he embarks on a historical epic or builds on his sci-fi musings, you better believe money will be spent. Whether GOOD spent is a completely different question and really depends on who you ask, especially for the director’s project is currently making its way into Apple TV’s Top 10. It’s been almost two years since Joaquin Phoenix and Scott reunited for an exploration of one of the most famous men in history with the feature film Napoleonand, despite its mixed reception when it arrived in cinemas, it is currently preparing to do battle with other favorites of the streamer, like Jon Watts‘ Wolves And Scott DerricksonIt is The Gorges.

As the title suggests, Napoleon centers its history around that of Napoleon Bonaparte and his rise to power and the multitude of falls that followed his path. From the French Revolution until his death in 1821, Scott and the screenwriter, David Scarpacovered quite a bit of ground, from the title card to the credits. Aside from the types of grandiose battle sequences one would expect from the award-winning director, the story also spent much of its time charting the course of the tumultuous relationship between Napoleon of Phoenix and his wife, Joséphine (Vanessa Kirby), the two stars giving career-defining performances throughout.

On paper, Napoleon had all the makings of a success. With Phoenix and Kirby leading the way and a Thanksgiving opening weekend, things looked pretty promising. Its only major competitor was Disney’s animated project, Wishwhile Emerald FennelIt is Salt burn also benefited from a wider release after Turkey Day. By the time all was said and done, Napoleon came out of theaters with over $221 million in worldwide sales, but given its production budget of around $200 million, the film barely broke even. And then came his notice. Critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 53% approval rating, but despite this, it landed a handful of nominations, including three Academy Award nominations.

Ridley Scott’s return to science fiction

In recent years, Scott has released one historical or biographical film after another, attracting audiences. All the money in the world, The last duel, Gucci House, NapoleonAnd Gladiator II. Then he’ll return to his sci-fi bread and butter, with a post-apocalyptic film called The dog’s starswhich presents Jacob Elord And Josh Brolin in leading roles.

Napoleon is now streaming on Apple TV.