The streaming wars are more intense than ever and Netflix is feeling the heat as its competitors close in. But the company has its sights set on an even bigger prize: theatrical distribution. Last year saw Netflix make a major push to become a destination for Hollywood talent. Its film Roma was one of the big winners at the Oscars in 2019.
This year marks another leap forward. Netflix has a handful of major awards contenders in play, with Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman chief among them. Even before its release on the streaming service, The Irishman has proven to be the biggest theatrical hit Netflix has ever seen.
What is ‘The Irishman’ about?
The Irishman has been making headlines for more than just being a win for Netflix. The film also marks the latest collaboration between Scorsese, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci. This project is also Scorsese’s first time working with Al Pacino. Plus, Scorsese has been making additional headlines with his opinions on the current state of cinema.
The Irishman follows Frank Sheeran (De Niro), a hitman who may or may not have been involved in the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa (Pacino). The story is based on the 2004 Charles Brandt book I Heard You Paint Houses.
Martin Scorsese’s latest is already a hit
Although we don’t yet know how The Irishman will perform at the awards, we do know that it’s already a hit with audiences. Netflix has been slowly expanding its release to more and more theaters in the weeks leading up to its launch, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
While Netflix has faced some opposition from theaters in the United States due to its refusal to wait 90 days between theatrical release and streaming, The Irishman has been met with open arms by audiences overseas. It’s currently playing in the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and more.
Even though some countries are more forgiving of Netflix’s theaters-to-streaming policy, others are less understanding. The film barely played in either Germany or France, and The Irishman may not get a release at all in China. It also isn’t playing in the Middle East, where it opened the Cairo Film Festival.
When is the film coming to Netflix?
The global reach of The Irishman is helping Netflix overcome the stigma it has struggled against domestically. Having such key international markets onboard only helps boost the film’s awards chances. Moreover, it means Netflix may have an easier go with its next big project.
For now though, fans anxious to see The Irishman for themselves may still be able to find a screening in their area. The film’s 209-minute runtime means fewer theater screens and showings. But Netflix will continue to expand its theatrical run, even though its streaming release is right around the corner.
