The Venice Film Festival is set to explore the theme of monstrosity in its upcoming edition, with a lineup that spans from cinematic creatures to real-world tyrants. The event’s artistic director has described monsters as the central thread connecting this year’s diverse selection of films.
Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” will make its debut, featuring Oscar Isaac as the driven scientist and Jacob Elordi as his creation. The film revisits Shelley’s timeless examination of the fine line separating humanity from inhumanity.
This focus on monstrous figures extends beyond fantasy to include historical and contemporary dictators. The program features multiple films examining authoritarian rulers, with works dedicated to figures including Mussolini, Ceaușescu, Gaddafi, and Vladimir Putin. One prominent political thriller traces the Russian leader’s ascent to power, casting Jude Law as the future president.
Documentaries in the selection confront recent global conflicts, with one film telling the story of a young Palestinian girl killed in Gaza, incorporating audio from her final phone call to emergency services. Another documentary from a Ukrainian producer, who faces prison in Russia for his anti-war position, reflects on his country’s turbulent history.
According to scholars, humanity’s enduring fascination with monsters stems from their ability to embody society’s deepest anxieties. These figures—whether fictional creations or historical dictators—serve as physical manifestations of collective fears, ranging from ancient mythological creatures to modern genocidal leaders.
Nuclear anxiety also features prominently in the festival’s offerings, with one thriller exploring White House officials confronting the threat of missile attacks. The director noted the paradox of civilization facing existential nuclear threats while experiencing collective numbness toward this danger.
The festival’s artistic director expressed concern about current global instability, noting that the post-war generation’s belief in permanent peace has given way to widespread conflict and nuclear threats. He observed that filmmakers are responding with a renewed focus on reality-based cinema that raises difficult questions about contemporary problems.
Political demonstrations are anticipated during the event, with pro-Palestinian activists planning protests and calling for the withdrawal of invitations to certain actors who have expressed support for Israel.
Twenty-one films will compete for the festival’s top prize, with notable entries including new works from directors Yorgos Lanthimos, Noah Baumbach, and Benny Safdie. The competition also features films by Jim Jarmusch and Park Chan-wook, while the broader program includes new projects from Luca Guadagnino and Werner Herzog, the latter of whom will receive a lifetime achievement award alongside 1950s Hollywood star Kim Novak.
