After 4 weeks on the big screen, Conclave has succeeded as a commercial indie for older viewers.

Director Edward Berger’s mystery thriller about the politicking and backstabbing behind the selection of new pope has generated $26.5 million at the domestic box office since late October.

Ticket sales are projected to surpass $30 million, due to its atypical release strategy, stellar reviews and stronger word-of-mouth.

Indies: Younger or Horror-loving Viewers

This year, only a handful of arthouse films have exceeded $20 million, and most of those breakouts — including Neon’s occult-tilted thriller “Longlegs” ($74 million domestically, $126 million globally), A24’s dystopian “Civil War” ($68 million domestically, $126 million globally), Cineverse’s ultra-gory slasher “Terrifier 3” ($53 million domestically, $82 million globally) and A24’s tear-jerker “We Live in Time” ($21.8 million domestically, $24 million globally) — were geared toward younger or horror-loving crowds.

Other than “Conclave,” this year’s crop of Oscar hopefuls hasn’t resonated at the box office, though several contenders like Searchlight’s Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” with Timothee Chalamet and A24’s historical epic “The Brutalist” haven’t been released yet. Mubi’s Hollywood aging satire “The Substance” has faired the best with $16.2 million domestically and $51 million globally. Neon’s Palme d’Or-winning comedic drama “Anora” started spectacularly in limited release, but has since stalled with $10.5 million domestically and $19.6 million globally, while A24’s “Sing Sing” tapped out with just $2.4 million domestically and $2.9 million globally. There’s also Searchlight’s road-trip drama “A Real Pain,” starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, which just crossed $3 million after three weeks (two of which were playing only in limited release).

Focus felt that Conclave was commercial enough to open nationwide. The movie debuted to $6.6 million from 1,753 North American theaters, not remarkable start. Yet ticket sales barely declined in subsequent weeks, with “Conclave” adding additional $5 million from 1,796 theaters in its second weekend, $4.1 million from 2,283 theaters in its third and $2.8 million from 2,377 theaters in its fourth. So far, nearly 50% of ticket buyers have been above the age of 55.

That’s higher percentage than other recent specialty fare like “The Bikeriders” (18% over 55) and “We Live in Time” (6% over 55).

That crowd-pleasing aspect is vital because positive reviews aren’t enough these days to fill seats at multiplexes. Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini star in the PG-rated “Conclave,” a story about jockeying that takes place as cardinals from around the world gather to select the Catholic Church’s new leader. The film was roundly embraced by critics as a “thinking man’s thriller.” Audiences have been enthusiastic watching “Conclave” on the big screen, and then recommending it to friends.

Bunell believes the subject matter — she likens the enigma around all things papal to the global intrigue of the royal family — made “Conclave” the movie to see… and helped it stick around beyond opening weekend. She also pointed to pent-up demand for smart dramas with commercial appeal.