According to figures reported by Allociné, "Malfaisante" opened with an impressive $27.5 million, easily securing the number one position. This is a significant win for the supernatural thriller, which was reportedly made on a modest budget of $18-19 million, indicating immediate profitability. The film, which promises to deliver the kind of chilling experience Wan is known for from franchises like Insidious and The Conjuring, is set to arrive in French cinemas this Wednesday, October 14, following its successful US launch.

Meanwhile, the box office also saw the continued strong performance of "Verity," featuring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson. The film landed in second place, adding $11.482 million to its impressive run, bringing its cumulative domestic total to $53.861 million. Globally, "Verity" has already amassed $113 million against an estimated budget of $40 million, solidifying its status as a commercial success.

On the other end of the spectrum, the new release "The Social Reckoning" struggled to find its footing. Opening at number five with a disappointing $5.5 million, its debut pales in comparison to the 2010 hit "The Social Network," directed by David Fincher, which garnered $22 million in its opening weekend. This suggests audiences may not be as eager for another dive into the origins of social media.

Perhaps the most dramatic story of the weekend, however, belongs to "Digger." Starring Tom Cruise, the film experienced a steep fall to eighth place in its second weekend. More concerning are the reported financial implications: Variety indicates that Warner Bros. is facing estimated losses of $245 million on the project. This significant underperformance highlights the volatile nature of blockbuster filmmaking and the ever-present risk of high-budget productions failing to connect with audiences.

The weekend's results paint a mixed picture: a low-budget horror film thriving despite critical hurdles, a mid-budget drama sustaining its appeal, and two high-profile releases facing starkly different fates. "Malfaisante"'s success reaffirms the enduring appeal of the horror genre, especially when backed by recognizable talent, while "Digger"'s struggles serve as a cautionary tale for major studios.