ArtistDirect News
Julian Schnabels In the Hand of Dante Opens in UK Cinemas, Streaming on Netflix June 24
Julian Schnabel’s feature film In the Hand of Dante began a limited theatrical run in the United Kingdom on 12 June 2026, with a worldwide streaming release on Netflix scheduled for 24 June 2026.
The 153‑minute drama, which was screened out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 3 September 2025, follows a handwritten manuscript of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy as it travels from the Vatican Library to a New York mob boss and ultimately to a contemporary journalist. The story is adapted from Nick Tosches’s 2002 novel of the same name.
Schnabel, who co‑wrote the screenplay with Louise Kugelberg, directs the film in a style that blends elements of tragicomedy, noir, satire, melodrama and absurdist comedy. The film’s tone shifts between historical narrative and modern crime thriller, a shift that has drawn attention from critics and audiences alike.
Oscar Isaac plays the dual roles of 14th‑century poet Dante Alighieri and a 2001 New York journalist who bears the same name. Isaac’s performance is the film’s central anchor, with the actor appearing in nearly every scene. The cast also includes Gal Gadot, Gerard Butler, Jason Momoa, Al Pacino, John Malkovich, Franco Nero and a cameo appearance by Martin Scorsese.
Al Pacino appears as the uncle of the journalist’s childhood, while Malkovich portrays a supporting character who adds a distinct, off‑beat presence. Scorsese’s brief cameo is a nod to his long‑standing friendship with Schnabel.
The film’s production spanned fifteen years, a period during which Schnabel refined the script and assembled the ensemble cast. The project was produced by Schnabel’s own company, with distribution handled by Netflix for the streaming release.
In the Hand of Dante is rated 15 in the United Kingdom, a rating that reflects the film’s violent scenes, strong language and adult themes. The film’s runtime of 2 hours 33 minutes places it among the longer feature films released in 2026.
The UK theatrical release is limited to select cinemas, a strategy that mirrors Netflix’s approach to building anticipation for the global streaming launch. The film’s premiere at Venice was a key milestone, positioning it within the international festival circuit before its commercial rollout.
The adaptation of Tosches’s novel has been noted for its ambitious narrative structure, which intertwines two distinct timelines and a complex plot involving a priceless manuscript. The film’s visual style reflects Schnabel’s background as a painter, with bold color palettes and dramatic framing.
While the film has received mixed reviews, with some critics citing its confusing narrative and tonal shifts, it remains a significant entry in Schnabel’s filmography, following earlier works such as Before Night Falls and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.
The release schedule places the film in a competitive summer window for both cinemas and streaming platforms. Netflix’s 24 June launch follows the UK theatrical run, allowing audiences to experience the film in both formats.
As of the latest reports, the film is available for streaming on Netflix in all regions where the platform operates, subject to local licensing agreements. The theatrical release is confined to the United Kingdom, with no announced plans for a wider cinema rollout.
In summary, In the Hand of Dante marks Julian Schnabel’s return to feature filmmaking after a decade‑long development period. The film’s dual‑timeline narrative, star‑studded cast and blend of dramatic and comedic elements make it a noteworthy, if polarizing, addition to the 2026 film landscape.
The 153‑minute drama, which was screened out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 3 September 2025, follows a handwritten manuscript of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy as it travels from the Vatican Library to a New York mob boss and ultimately to a contemporary journalist. The story is adapted from Nick Tosches’s 2002 novel of the same name.
Schnabel, who co‑wrote the screenplay with Louise Kugelberg, directs the film in a style that blends elements of tragicomedy, noir, satire, melodrama and absurdist comedy. The film’s tone shifts between historical narrative and modern crime thriller, a shift that has drawn attention from critics and audiences alike.
Oscar Isaac plays the dual roles of 14th‑century poet Dante Alighieri and a 2001 New York journalist who bears the same name. Isaac’s performance is the film’s central anchor, with the actor appearing in nearly every scene. The cast also includes Gal Gadot, Gerard Butler, Jason Momoa, Al Pacino, John Malkovich, Franco Nero and a cameo appearance by Martin Scorsese.
Al Pacino appears as the uncle of the journalist’s childhood, while Malkovich portrays a supporting character who adds a distinct, off‑beat presence. Scorsese’s brief cameo is a nod to his long‑standing friendship with Schnabel.
The film’s production spanned fifteen years, a period during which Schnabel refined the script and assembled the ensemble cast. The project was produced by Schnabel’s own company, with distribution handled by Netflix for the streaming release.
In the Hand of Dante is rated 15 in the United Kingdom, a rating that reflects the film’s violent scenes, strong language and adult themes. The film’s runtime of 2 hours 33 minutes places it among the longer feature films released in 2026.
The UK theatrical release is limited to select cinemas, a strategy that mirrors Netflix’s approach to building anticipation for the global streaming launch. The film’s premiere at Venice was a key milestone, positioning it within the international festival circuit before its commercial rollout.
The adaptation of Tosches’s novel has been noted for its ambitious narrative structure, which intertwines two distinct timelines and a complex plot involving a priceless manuscript. The film’s visual style reflects Schnabel’s background as a painter, with bold color palettes and dramatic framing.
While the film has received mixed reviews, with some critics citing its confusing narrative and tonal shifts, it remains a significant entry in Schnabel’s filmography, following earlier works such as Before Night Falls and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.
The release schedule places the film in a competitive summer window for both cinemas and streaming platforms. Netflix’s 24 June launch follows the UK theatrical run, allowing audiences to experience the film in both formats.
As of the latest reports, the film is available for streaming on Netflix in all regions where the platform operates, subject to local licensing agreements. The theatrical release is confined to the United Kingdom, with no announced plans for a wider cinema rollout.
In summary, In the Hand of Dante marks Julian Schnabel’s return to feature filmmaking after a decade‑long development period. The film’s dual‑timeline narrative, star‑studded cast and blend of dramatic and comedic elements make it a noteworthy, if polarizing, addition to the 2026 film landscape.