Tarot has managed to surprise everyone at the box office with an impressive earning of $45.4 million worldwide, achieving more than five and a half times its $8 million budget. This horror movie adaptation based on Nicholas Adams’ 1992 novel Horrorscope, is directed by Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg.
Successful Yet Critically Panned
Starring Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, Avantika, Olwen Fouéré, and Jacob Batalon, Tarot has found its way to becoming one of the year’s highest-grossing horror movies despite an overwhelmingly negative response from critics. The film holds a dismal 19% score on Rotten Tomatoes but still managed to triple its budget within the first 10 days. 
Box Office Triumph Amid Competition
The numbers from Box Office Mojo are telling: Tarot earned $45.4 million worldwide ahead of its seventh weekend in theaters. This box office triumph is notable given the company’s modest budget. This performance places it as the fourth highest-grossing horror movie of 2024, outdoing other genre films like Blumhouse’s ‘Imaginary’ ($39.1 million), ‘The Strangers: Chapter 1 ($39.2 million)’, and ‘Abigail’ ($42 million).
The Backbone of Tarot’s Narrative
The story of Tarot, originally published as Horrorscope in 1992 by Nicholas Adams, focuses on a group of friends hunted by supernatural forces after attending a horoscope party where their fates are read using a cursed tarot deck. The adaptation changes key elements, shifting from horoscope readings to tarot readings, with each friend’s demise linked to their specific card reading. In the movie’s adaptation by Anna Halberg and Spenser Cohen, this pivot plays a crucial role in how the characters meet their fate.
Character Dynamics and Themes
A significant plot point revolves around the central quartet poised against terrifying odds as they uncover the consequences of meddling with forces they don’t understand. A prominent scene involves Jacob Batalon’s character encountering supernatural phenomena triggered by this mystical interface.
Word of Mouth Phenomenon
Tarot’s marketing budget was notably lower than its high-profile competitors. Rather than relying on a heavy marketing push, the film benefited significantly from word-of-mouth promotion. It seems public intrigue around this mysterious narrative propelled it forward.
The Future of Horror Box Office Trends
Despite its success, other major titles like A Quiet Place: Day One, Alien: Romulus, and Smile 2, are poised to vie for higher spots in the 2024 horror release chart. Yet, Tarot’s remarkable financial return sets a precedent that future horror films might follow.
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