Eight years after its original release, Jake Gyllenhaal’s science fiction thriller Life has proven that good things come to those who wait. In an age of streaming, movies and shows can see spikes in popularity at seemingly random points in time. Despite the mixed feedback it received during its big-screen debut, the film is now enjoying a resurgence of popularity on streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s Life Topping Streaming Charts
Gyllenhaal is no stranger to box office hits. His most significant commercial success remains his role as the villain Mysterio in Spider-Man: Far From Home, which grossed over $1 billion, marking a career high for Gyllenhaal. His other big hits include the 2004 disaster thriller The Day After Tomorrow, which earned over $555 million, and the 2010 action-fantasy flick Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, which brought in $336.3 million despite being seen as a flop by many.
Gyllenhaal’s talents are not confined to the action and adventure genres; he’s also made a name for himself in the drama category. His performance in Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain earned him his first Oscar nomination. Additionally, Gyllenhaal has been nominated for three Golden Globes for his work in Love & Other Drugs, Nightcrawler, and the TV show Presumed Innocent.
Life Sees New Life In Streaming
Life has found success on streaming platforms. The film stars Gyllenhaal as David Jordan, a scientist on the International Space Station who uncovers a life form that could pose a great threat to Earth. Upon release, the movie earned mixed reviews and grossed just over $100 million against its $58 million budget. However, today, the movie is doing quite well on streaming charts, ranking fourth on the list of top 10 movies in the United States.
So, why the sudden interest in a film that faced considerable criticism at its release? It might have something to do with Gyllenhaal’s current stint in the Broadway production of Othello, where he plays Iago opposite Oscar-winner Denzel Washington. The play recently made headlines for being the highest-grossing Broadway play in history, which could be amplifying Gyllenhaal’s visibility.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of initial box office performance and critical reception, a film’s success might be a slow burn, much like Life. After all, in this world dominated by streaming, movies get a second chance to impress audiences, and this movie is a testament to that.
