Adam Driver’s 2023 sci-fi film “65” has unexpectedly become a streaming success, landing in HBO Max’s Top 10 and climbing to the number five spot in the United States this week. Despite its challenging theatrical reception, the movie now demonstrates renewed popularity, showcasing Adam Driver streaming success well after its initial release.
‘65’ Gains New Momentum Through Streaming
After a quiet stint in theaters, “65” has found fresh interest among streaming audiences. The film, starring Driver as Mills, a pilot who crash-lands on a mysterious world that turns out to be prehistoric Earth, is now reaching more viewers. Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Sam Raimi, the story follows Mills as he attempts to protect a young survivor, played by Ariana Greenblatt, while facing dangerous dinosaurs and severe environmental threats.
Initially, “65” debuted in March 2023 as a high-concept survival thriller but faltered at the box office, earning just over $60 million globally compared with its estimated $45 million budget. The movie garnered a modest audience score on Rotten Tomatoes at 64%, while critics rated it significantly lower, with a 35% consensus, often citing limited character depth and a lack of immersive world-building as major drawbacks. Still, the film’s recent streaming performance contrasts with its earlier reception, offering a new outlook for the cast and creators.
Adam Driver Prepares for Roles in High-Profile Drama Projects
While “65” builds momentum on HBO Max, Adam Driver has already moved on to new dramatic roles. His next major project partners him with Anne Hathaway in “Alone at Dawn,” an upcoming true-life drama directed by Ron Howard for Amazon MGM Studios. The film adapts the nonfiction book by Dan Schilling and Lori Chapman Longfritz and focuses on U.S. Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman’s final mission. In the movie, Driver will embody Chapman, while Hathaway is cast as the intelligence officer dedicated to uncovering the reality behind Chapman’s actions during the mission.
Director Ron Howard, acclaimed for past projects like “A Beautiful Mind,” “Apollo 13,” and “Thirteen Lives,” is experienced in adapting real events for film, including earning an Academy Award for Best Picture. Driver’s upcoming slate also includes a role in Jim Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother,” where he portrays one of two siblings visiting a parent, and an appearance in James Gray’s “Paper Tiger,” acting alongside Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller. The cast of “65” additionally features Ariana Greenblatt in the key role of Koa.
Streaming Popularity Highlights Changing Film Fortunes
The rediscovery of “65” on HBO Max captures how streaming platforms can extend the lifespan of movies that underperform in theaters or receive harsh critical reviews. As interest in Adam Driver streaming success grows, the film’s resurgence could influence future decisions for similar mid-budget genre projects, benefiting directors like Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and producers including Sam Raimi. As Driver’s upcoming roles gather attention and as “65” maintains its momentum, audiences are likely to see his versatility further showcased across diverse projects.
