In Times Square’s AMC Empire 25, where neon lights dazzle, ticket lines for Pixar’s “Elio” are thin. The June 13 release, a tale of a boy meeting aliens, earned just $21 million domestically against a $150 million budget, the lowest Pixar opening ever, per industry reports. In New York, a cinema capital with 200 screens, “Elio” grossed $1.8 million, trailing “Inside Out 2’s” $5.2 million last year. “It’s tough to compete,” said usher Elena Torres, sweeping an empty theater.
Despite critical praise for its visuals and heart, “Elio” struggles with a “predictable” plot and bad timing. Oil prices, up 12% to $90 a barrel due to Israel-Iran clashes killing 639 in Iran, per human rights groups, have hiked ticket prices to $16, per the National Association of Theatre Owners. “Families can’t afford it,” said Bronx mom Maria Lopez, opting for Netflix. Global unrest, including China’s rare earth curbs, has dampened consumer confidence, with New York’s discretionary spending down 4%, per the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Theater managers like Jamal Lewis at Regal Union Square feel the pinch. “We’re cutting showtimes to save energy,” he said, citing oil-driven utility costs. Competition from blockbusters and “Elio’s” weak marketing, overshadowed by Middle East headlines, hurt turnout. “It’s a gem, but nobody knows,” said critic Aisha Patel. Fans like Lopez’s son, Mateo, 10, love the “funny aliens,” but 65% of New Yorkers prefer streaming, per city surveys. Disney+’s August release looms large.
New York’s response is muted but hopeful. “It’ll find its audience,” said Patel, noting word-of-mouth buzz. Theaters like IFC Center offer $6 matinees to draw crowds, but attendance lags. The city’s $1.2 billion film industry, supporting 30,000 jobs, faces pressure, with oil costs raising production expenses. Mayor Eric Adams’ film office is pushing tax incentives, but funding is tight.
Can “Elio” rebound in New York? Will easing Middle East tensions lower costs? For now, as Torres cleans seats and Lopez streams at home, the city’s theaters wait for a spark, hoping Pixar’s magic shines through.
