In the Hand of Dante
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In the Hand of Dante (2026) is an upcoming American crime drama and historical mystery film directed by Julian Schnabel, based on Nick Tosches' 2002 novel. The movie interweaves two parallel narratives: one following the 14th-century poet Dante Alighieri as he completes "The Divine Comedy," and the other set in the modern world, where a writer, Nick Tosches, becomes embroiled in a dangerous criminal network. Both storylines are connected by a mysterious manuscript carrying historical and spiritual weight. The film features a notable cast including Oscar Isaac (playing dual roles as Nick Tosches and Dante Alighieri), Gal Gadot, Gerard Butler, Jason Momoa, Al Pacino, and John Malkovich. It is rated R by the MPAA for strong violence, language, and sexual references, making it unsuitable for younger audiences and recommended for viewers aged 17 and above with parental discretion. The narrative explores profound themes such as obsession, sin, morality, and spiritual struggle.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film contains strong, brutal, and often shocking violence, including organized crime activities, physical fights, and historical combat with visible blood and injuries. Some sequences are intense and disturbing, particularly those linked to depictions of 'hell' and human suffering.
Scenes depict assassin Louie (Gerard Butler) shooting a man in the head and gunning down several people as Nick Tosches (Oscar Isaac) watches. Nick's uncle (Al Pacino) rationalizes to a young Nick about fatally stabbing a teenager in a back-alley fight. Louie is also confirmed to have followed and killed Nick's experts.
Profanity
There is frequent use of strong, explicit, and harsh profanity throughout the movie, especially in crime-related scenes, including repeated use of major swear words and aggressive verbal exchanges.
Scary & Intense Content
The film is described as dark, intense, and emotionally charged, featuring disturbing imagery, strong violence, and sequences that could be unsettling. The narrative delves into themes of human suffering and spiritual struggle.
Disrespect & Rebellion
The plot prominently features characters engaged in criminal activities, including a mafia don recruiting a writer for a violent quest to steal a manuscript. This involves deliberate defiance of law and authority.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
The film is rated R by the MPAA for strong violence, language, and sexual references. It is recommended for adults 18+ and ages 16-17 with guidance due to its dark and intense narrative, graphic elements, and complex mature themes.
Good to Know
The film's non-linear storytelling may be challenging for some viewers. It is an ambitious epic that contrasts quiet introspection with shocking violence, exploring art, religion, morality, masculinity, obsession, identity, and greed.
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