Fiction and history collide in In the Hand of Dante, where Oscar Isaac plays both a modern author and the legendary Dante Alighieri, navigating mob heists in New York and poetic intrigue in 14th-century Italy. Julian Schnabel’s ambitious drama brings literary obsession, crime, and artistry to the screen with audacious flair.

The film is also known for sparking heated controversy at its Venice Film Festival premiere over casting Gal Gadot and Gerard Butler, with Schnabel defending their inclusion amid political tensions. The casting had critics and audiences debating whether star power should outweigh cultural sensitivities.

And after nearly a year of debate and public scrutiny, the provocative crime drama is prepping to arrive on Netflix, making its long-awaited streaming debut accessible to audiences worldwide.

Netflix has officially announced that In the Hand of Dante is coming soon to its platform. While the streaming giant has confirmed the acquisition, the release date remains unannounced, leaving fans eagerly speculating when they will finally experience Julian Schnabel’s audacious crime drama.

The film previously premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2025. It received a remarkable 8-minute standing ovation from the audience, highlighting the physical enthusiasm of viewers despite a sharply divided critical reception.

Critics offered contrasting views, with some calling the film real cinema and a cinematic journey, while others labeled it messy and mortally tangled between painful earnestness and laughable execution. Netflix’s acquisition suggests confidence in the film’s lasting cultural and artistic impact.

In the Hand of Dante continues its festival tour, with a scheduled screening at the Sarasota Film Festival on April 19, 2026. Furthermore, a limited theatrical release later in 2026 remains possible, a strategy Netflix often uses for awards eligibility before streaming availability.

'Heartbreak High' Season 3 Cast On Netflix: Meet The Stars Behind the TV Series

While Gal Gadot navigates her daughter’s verdict on Snow White, Julian Schnabel is already plotting his next cinematic coup.

Julian Schnabel is far too busy taming canvases to fuss over new film projects. While In the Hand of Dante makes its rounds in festivals, Schnabel is navigating the glittering chaos of the contemporary art world with his usual flamboyance. Earlier this year, the Mnuchin Gallery in New York celebrated Plate Paintings, 1978–2025, a sweeping look at his storied career. He does not stop there.

A 1982 portrait of Andy Warhol by Julian Schnabel remains one of the most haunting depictions of the artist, while Schnabel’s recent influence was lately celebrated in his comprehensive "Plate Paintings" survey in New York, which concluded its successful run earlier this year.  

Even with brushes and palettes occupying his days, In the Hand of Dante patiently waits for its moment on Netflix, ready to bring crime, intrigue, and literary drama to streaming audiences. Schnabel’s upcoming exhibitions prove that his creativity flows across mediums, ensuring both his films and paintings capture attention with equal audacity.

Will There Be a ‘Beauty in Black’ Season 3? Is Tyler Perry Bringing the Drama Series Back One Last Time on Netflix?

Will you be waiting for In the Hand of Dante to reach Netflix? Let us know in the comments!