Elizabeth Olson Fights To Keep Theaters Alive. 

By: Dominic La-Viola

Elizabeth Olson, the indie star icon, whose breakthrough role in the 2011 film “Martha Marcy May Marlene” put her on the map and out of her sister’s shadow. Told told InStyle magazine as part of a new cover story that she is no longer signing on to Hollywood studio movies that don’t have a guaranteed theatrical release.

She would go on to say that “If a movie is made independently and only sells to a streamer, then fine. But I don’t want to make something where streaming is the end-all.”

Now, as bold and outlandish as that might sound to some, I think it’s a turning point that a lot of artists behind and in front of the camera will soon get behind. For some already have and are sticking their ground. 

Christopher Nolan famously left WB after decades of working with them because he disagreed with them on their time frame in releasing movies to streaming after they hit theaters. Now, one of Hollywood’s A-listers is taking a similar stand by refusing to make a movie where the end intent is streaming only. 

Since her last appearance as Scarlett Witch in Marvel’s “Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness” in 2022, she has done three films, all of which were indie films. 

Starting with 2023’s “His Three Daughters,” 2024’s “The Assessment,” and the upcoming A24 romantic comedy “Eternity,” which is hitting theaters this year. 

Now, the fact that she is only doing indie films doesn’t necessarily mean that there aren’t offers to do studio films with a guaranteed theatrical release. Although that could be the case, and if so, who’s really coming out on top? 

“His Three Daughters” Metacritic score is 83, “The Assessment” has a lower score of 62. Although even with that being said, I would still argue that a 62 on Metacritic is a solid rating. Rotten Tomatoes has it at an 83% critic and 92% audience. To give a better understanding of the film’s rating.

Ratings that are much higher than the average Hollywood blockbuster or even Hollywood-produced straight-to-streaming movie. Making it clear that there is still work out there and, honestly, the end product is a lot better.

I have to add that the fact that she said that she will do indie films, and if they get bought by a streamer, then be it. Doubles down and goes to show her care and dedication to the craft. That she’s putting the importance of quality first and foremost. Hopefully, more stars and talent behind the cameras will join her in her stand to help save theaters.  

Source- Variety