Jeff Nichols’ “Midnight Special” (Warner Bros.) marks the writer-director’s third straight strong opener. Its debut in New York and Los Angeles theaters is the best of the year so far. And three other films that debuted well last week—”Hello, My Name Is Doris,” “Eye in the Sky” and “City of Gold”— also expanded well. Just in time, fresh titles are arriving to fill screens in the anemic post-Oscar period.

“Midnight Special” (Warner Bros.) Criticwire: B+; Metacritic: 78; Festivals include: Berlin, South by Southwest 2016.

$185,000 in 5 theaters; PTA (per theater average): $37,000.

After his successful middle-America dramas “Take Shelter” and “Mud,” director Jeff Nichols went further afield with this sci-fi story about a young boy with religious cult connections. His father (Michael Shannon) tries to protect him from forces trying to track him down, including government officials who are aware of the boy’s apparent unworldly powers. Warner Bros., not incapable of finding platform success beyond Clint Eastwood films — they had a somewhat bigger opening with a December opening of “Her” in 2014 — has made a major commitment to a more niche than usual film. They achieved at a minimum the top limited opening of the year so far (50% better than last weekend’s “Eye in the Sky”) and look to carefully nurture this going forward.

What comes next: This continues its tiered expansion next week, with early results suggesting a real chance that this becomes a significant early year success.

Tom Brueggemann; indiewire.com

Wow only 5 theaters, I had no idea just how limited an opening the film had. Very impressive figures though.

“Midnight Special” goes on release in select U.S cinemas today. Don’t miss it!

U.S based fans can find the nearest cinemas that are screening the film here.

I’ve added to the gallery more pics of Kirsten at the “Meet the Filmmaker”: Midnight Special Discussion Panel that was held in New York last week.

Last night the U.S Premiere of “Midnight Special” was held at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas. Kirsten attended the premiere along with the films director Jeff Nichols & co-stars Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton & Jaeden Lieberher. Kirstens friend & Fargo co-star Jesse Plemons also attended the premiere. I’ve added pics to the gallery.

Exclusive: Kirsten Dunst is joining Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, and Kevin Costner in ‘Hidden Figures’. Ted Melfi is directing for Fox 2000. Hidden Figures tells the untold true story of the African-American female mathematicians at NASA who provided the calculations that helped fuel some of America’s greatest achievements in space. The story is told through the personal accounts of the four women known as the “Colored Computers,” and their accomplishment is set against the background of the Jim Crow South and the civil rights movement. Dunst, who’s repped by UTA and Management 360, will next be seen starring in the Jeff Nichols-directed Midnight Special for Warner Bros. The film opens March 18th.                                                                                                                                                                                                 Mike Fleming, deadline.com.

Interesting news. Assuming this is correct it sounds like Kirsten will have a supporting role in the film.

I’ve added to the gallery pics of Kirsten at the AOL Build Speaker Series: “Midnight Special” Cast Discussion on Tuesday.

Todays edition of “Good Morning America” featured this pre-recorded interview with Kirsten.

Yesterday (Monday) a “Meet the Filmmaker”: Midnight Special Discussion Panel was held at the Apple Store in New York. Taking part were Kirsten, director Jeff Nichols & cast members Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton & Jaeden Lieberher. I’ve added pics to the gallery.

This morning AOL BUILD held a “Midnight Special” interview in New York. Kirsten, director Jeff Nichols, & co-stars Joel Edgerton & Jaeden Lieberher took part in the interview which you can watch here.

I’ve added to the gallery more pics of Kirsten at the “Midnight Special” Berlin Film Festival World Premiere.