The premiere of Jesse Armstrong’s latest HBO film, Mountainhead, has caused quite a stir among critics and audiences alike. While the Succession creator’s satirical comedy has garnered positive reviews from critics, it seems that general audiences are not as impressed.

Mountainhead debuted on Saturday, May 31, and immediately sparked controversy on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have given the film a respectable 79% score, praising its sharp wit and clever script. However, the audience score tells a different story, with viewers awarding Mountainhead a disappointing 21% on the Popcornmeter.

The film follows four wealthy tech leaders during a poker weekend at a mountain retreat, set against a backdrop of global chaos caused by AI technology. Despite its intriguing premise, Mountainhead has failed to win over the hearts of all its viewers.

Meanwhile, other recent releases like Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 and Nicolas Cage’s The Surfer are experiencing similar divides in reception among critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. The industry is abuzz with discussions about the implications of these contrasting opinions.

As more reviews pour in, the scores for these films may fluctuate. But one thing is clear – the mixed reception for Mountainhead and other recent releases is a sign of the evolving landscape of film criticism and audience preferences in the digital age.