Bourdain Biopic Earns $4.2M Limited Debut

Anthony Bourdain’s biopic opened in a limited release this weekend, topping the specialty box office and earning $4.2 million in its first week, according to Deadline Hollywood. The film also drew attention to Jane Schoenbrun’s new comedy, CatVideoFest, which landed in the top‑10 of the independent market. Other newcomers, A24’s Tony, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, and the documentary Cookie Queens, also posted strong numbers, showing that indie titles can compete with blockbuster releases.

Bourdain’s story has long been a cultural touchstone. He was a chef, a travel host and a candid commentator on food and culture. The biopic, directed by a first‑time filmmaker who grew up watching Bourdain on CNN, promises to explore his rise from a kitchen apprentice to a global media icon. Jane Schoenbrun, known for her sharp, character‑driven dramas, brings a fresh voice to CatVideoFest, a quirky look at how pets can shape human relationships. The two films highlight how independent cinema is carving out space for personal, intimate storytelling that mainstream studios rarely touch.

The weekend’s box‑office data shows that the indie sector is not only surviving but thriving. Tony opened in 40 theaters and pulled in $1.1 million, while Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma earned $850,000 from 30 screens. Cookie Queens, a 30‑minute