| In the Hand of Dante | |
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| Directed by | Julian Schnabel |
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| Based on | In the Hand of Dante by Nick Tosches |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Roman Vasyanov |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Benjamin Clementine |
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153 minutes |
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| Budget | $25 million[1] |
In the Hand of Dante is a 2025 drama film directed by Julian Schnabel, written by Schnabel and Louise Kugelberg and based on the 2002 novel by Nick Tosches. It follows a handwritten manuscript of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy found in the Vatican library, which makes its way to a mob boss in New York City, ending up in the hands of Nick Tosches. It stars Oscar Isaac alongside an ensemble cast that includes Jason Momoa, Gerard Butler, Gal Gadot, Sabrina Impacciatore, Franco Nero, John Malkovich, Louis Cancelmi, Fortunato Cerlino, Mohamed Zouaoui, Lorenzo Zurzolo, Benjamin Clementine, Martin Scorsese, and Al Pacino.
The film had its world premiere out of competition in the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2025.[2]
Premise
Deadline magazine summarizes the premise of the film stating: "(Oscar) Isaac plays Dante in sequences shot in color in Italy that explore his efforts in writing the classic and looking for mystical knowledge. He also plays author Nick Tosches, whose 2002 book In the Hand of Dante makes him out to be a renowned Dante expert employed by a mafia don to confirm its existence and then steal it for him. Those sequences, quite violent in parts, are shot in black-and-white to show contrast between the more artistic world of the 1400s vs. today’s brutal and greedy landscape where art is just a commodity for some. He’s accompanied by ace assassin, Louie (Gerard Butler, almost unrecognizable), and another goon, Lefty (Louis Cancelmi). The don, Joe Black (John Malkovich), sends them off to the Vatican, where supposedly the original manuscript actually could be verified and brought back to him."[3]
Cast
- Oscar Isaac as Nick Tosches / Dante Alighieri
- Gal Gadot as Giulietta / Gemma Donati
- Gerard Butler as Louie / Pope Bonifacio
- John Malkovich as Joe Black
- Louis Cancelmi as Lefty / Guido da Polenta
- Sabrina Impacciatore as Dr. Susanna Pulice
- Franco Nero as Don Lecco
- Benjamin Clementine as Mephistopheles
- Paolo Bonacelli as the Adult Priest of Alcamo
- Martin Scorsese as Isaiah, Alighieri's mentor
- Al Pacino as Uncle Carmine
- Jason Momoa as Rosario
- Lorenzo Zurzolo as Don Lecco (33)
- Claudio Santamaria as Archivist (Fabriano)
- Guido Caprino as Guido Cavalcanti
- Mohamed Zouaoui as Tunisian Bartender
- Alessandro De Simone as the Young Priest of Alcamo
- Lolita Chamah as Nursemaid
- Howard Thomas Ray as Doctor
- Duke Nicholson as Bar Manager
- Vincenzo Leto as Michele Sindona
- Galen Hopper as Nick’s Daughter
Production
In December 2008, it was announced Johnny Depp's production company Infinitum Nihil had acquired rights to In the Hand of Dante by Nick Tosches, with Depp eying to star and produce.[4] In July 2011, it was announced Julian Schnabel would direct the film.[5] In September 2023, Oscar Isaac joined the cast of the film, replacing Depp.[6]
In October 2023, it was announced that Jason Momoa, Gerard Butler, and Gal Gadot had joined the cast of the film, with Martin Scorsese set to executive produce.[7] In November 2023, Al Pacino, John Malkovich, Benjamin Clementine, Louis Cancelmi, Sabrina Impacciatore, Franco Nero, Claudio Santamaria, Guido Caprino, Paolo Bonacelli and Dora Romano were announced to star in the film.[1] In February 2024, it was reported that Scorsese would also play a role in the film.[8]
Principal photography began in October 2023 in Italy, with the project securing a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement.[9]
Release
The film had its world premiere out of competition in the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2025. One month before its Venice premiere, it leaked online.[10]
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 45% of 20 critics' reviews are positive.[11]
Pete Hammond for Deadline writes the film has an "unpredictable, if uneven, screenplay that is all over the map" and that the movie "bites off possibly more than it can chew", but lauds Schnabel for taking a "big swing."[12]
References
- ^ a b Vivarelli, Nick (November 17, 2023). "Julian Schnabel Reveals Al Pacino, John Malkovich, Benjamin Clementine, Sabrina Impacciatore Appear in Next Film 'In the Hand of Dante' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ "Biennale Cinema 2025 | In the Hand of Dante". La Biennale di Venezia. 2025-07-16. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
- ^ Deadline magazine. "‘In The Hand Of Dante’ Review: Oscar Isaac & Gal Gadot x 2 In Julian Schnabel’s Ambitious Art Epic – Venice Film Festival". By Pete Hammond. Sept, 3, 2025. [1]
- ^ Hewitt, Chris (December 12, 2008). "Johnny Depp Set For The Hand Of Dante". Empire. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ Jagernauth, Kevin (July 11, 2011). "Exclusive: Julian Schnabel Planning 'In The Hand Of Dante' With Johnny Depp As Next Project". IndieWire. Archived from the original on October 16, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ Mahdawi, Arwa (September 26, 2023). "'You only spent 10 minutes looking at my paintings?' Superstar artist (and terrifying interviewee) Julian Schnabe". The Guardian. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (October 16, 2023). "Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa & Gerard Butler To Lead Julian Schnabel's 'In The Hand Of Dante'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ Vivarelli, Nick (2024-02-20). "Martin Scorsese to Play Dante Alighieri's Mentor in Julian Schnabel's Upcoming 'In the Hand of Dante' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
- ^ Mendelson, Scott (October 16, 2023). "Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa and Gerard Butler to Star in Julian Schnabel's 'The Hand of Dante'". The Wrap. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
- ^ Van der Sar, Ernesto (August 12, 2025). "Unreleased Movie Screeners Leak Online, Including Star-Studded 'In the Hand of Dante'". torrentfreak.com. Retrieved 2025-08-16.
- ^ "In the Hand of Dante". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
- ^ Hammond, Pete (2025-09-03). "'In The Hand Of Dante' Review: Oscar Isaac & Gal Gadot x 2 In Julian Schnabel's Ambitious Art Epic – Venice Film Festival". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-10-09.
External links
- In the Hand of Dante at IMDb