Vincent Lindon vs. Robbie Williams: Which Film Had the Best Opening This Week?

First Day in France: January 22, 2025

1 – Playing with Fire: 28,473 admissions (including 8,221 previews)

2 – Better Man: 21,759 admissions (including 8,919 previews)

3 – High-Risk Theft: 8,636 admissions

4 – Jane Austen Ruined My Life: 7,476 admissions (including 2,866 previews)

5 – Burn the Blood: 4,460 admissions (including 1,863 previews)

6 – One for All: 2,689 admissions (including 1,418 previews)

7 – Red Castle: 2,134 admissions (including 1,916 previews)

8 – The Traveler: 1,034 admissions (including 86 previews)

9 – God’s Spy: 647 admissions (including 181 previews)

10 – Return to Alexandria: 108 admissions

11 – The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds: 34 admissions

12 – On The Go: 25 admissions

13 – Shimoni: 2 admissions

Key Takeaways

Which films stood out this Wednesday, January 22, 2025? Leading the pack is the French film “Playing with Fire,” featuring Vincent Lindon, Benjamin Voisin, and Stéfan Crepon, with a total of 28,473 admissions (including 8,221 previews). It’s one of the standout films of early 2025 and is likely to spark many discussions.

The story follows Pierre, a single father raising his two sons. Louis, the younger son, excels in his studies and finds life’s path with ease. Meanwhile, Fus, the elder son, spirals out of control, drawn to violence and power dynamics. He becomes involved with extreme right groups, which goes against everything his father stands for. Pierre watches helplessly as these influences take hold over his son, with love slowly giving way to misunderstanding.

In second place is the unique biopic of Robbie Williams, “Better Man.” The film portrays the rise of the famous British singer/songwriter Robbie Williams, who initially gained fame with the boy band Take That in the 1990s, later struggled with substance abuse, and then made a successful solo comeback in 1997 with the hit “Angels.” The film attracted 21,759 viewers (including 8,919 previews), featuring Robbie Williams portrayed by a monkey.

Finally, in third place, the action movie “High-Risk Theft,” starring Mark Wahlberg and directed by Mel Gibson, garnered 8,636 admissions without any previews. US Marshal Madelyn Harris (Michelle Dockery) is tasked with escorting Winston (Topher Grace), a criminal informant set to testify against a mafia boss. During their flight, she becomes suspicious of the pilot, Daryl Booth (Mark Wahlberg), who may not be who he claims to be.

Figures: CBO Box-office