Unseen Gem: Ignored Romance Film Surges to Netflix Stardom 3 Years Later
A sleeper hit on Netflix, All My Life found immense success three years after its release, captivating audiences with its heartfelt romance Despite earning a mere $2 million at the box office, the film triumphed on the streaming platform, captivating viewers with its emotional storytelling
Summary
All My Life, a romantic film helmed by Marc Meyers, has gained significant popularity on Netflix, garnering attention even three years after its initial release in theaters. It currently occupies the impressive seventh position on the streaming platform's top 10 list.
The film is an adaptation of a real-life story, following the struggles of a couple as they strive to organize their wedding amidst the groom's battle with liver cancer. Distributed by Universal Pictures, the movie hit theaters in December 2020. Although it garnered a mix of reviews from critics, it only managed to earn $2 million at the box office.
Almost three years after its release, Universal Pictures' romance film "All My Life" has become a surprise hit on Netflix. Directed by Marc Meyers, the movie tells the true story of Solomon Chau and Jennifer Carter, a young couple who expedite their wedding plans after Solomon receives a diagnosis of liver cancer. Initially met with mixed reviews from critics and earning less than $2 million at the box office, "All My Life" has now gained renewed popularity, ranking at number seven on Netflix's top 10 list. It surpasses other films such as "Leatherface" at number eight, "The Boss Baby" at number nine, and "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" at number ten, following closely behind "The Croods" at number six.
How All My Life Was Received
Released in December 2020, All My Life failed to make a significant impact at the box office. This can largely be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the closure of movie theaters nationwide. Movies of various genres and budgets were adversely affected, resulting in significant box office losses and schedule changes, prompting many to adopt simultaneous theatrical and digital releases.
Despite having a production budget of $25 million, All My Life only managed to accumulate a paltry $1.96 million at the box office. Reviews for the movie were less than stellar, with critics acknowledging the chemistry between lead actors Henry Shum Jr. and Jessica Rothe, but criticizing its predictable storyline and over-reliance on sentimentality. Presently, All My Life holds a 57% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with its audience score not faring much better at 60%.
Although All My Life did not receive much attention in 2020, the emergence of streaming platforms has given the opportunity for underrated films to eventually reach their target audience. Perhaps one of the reasons for the movie's lackluster performance in theaters is that it possesses the qualities of a film better suited for streaming, and now that it is readily available, it is resonating with viewers. While it may not benefit All My Life financially anymore, its success on Netflix serves as evidence that any film can experience a resurgence after its initial theatrical release.
