‘Send Help’ Duels ‘Iron Lung’ at Box Office With $18M Opening, ‘Melania’ Beats Projections With $8M Start

After last weekend’s abysmal numbers, business is looking better at the box office to finish January thanks to stronger-than-expected opening weekends for 20th Century’s “Send Help,” Markiplier’s “Iron Lung,” and yes, even Amazon MGM’s “Melania.”

Industry estimates have “Send Help” and “Iron Lung” in a tight race for the No. 1 spot. “Send Help,” the Sam Raimi horror thriller about a survivalist office worker stuck on an island with her abusive boss, is tracking for an $18 million opening from 3,475 locations after a $7.2 million opening day.

But “Iron Lung” is giving it a run for its money with an estimated $17.3 million opening weekend from 3,015 locations, a wide release…