Oscar Isaac has built one of the most compelling careers in modern Hollywood, seamlessly moving between blockbuster franchises, critically acclaimed indies, and character dramas. From his breakout performance in the Coen Brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis to his haunting turn in Ex Machina, and more recently as the troubled antihero in Marvel’s Moon Knight, Isaac has proven himself time and again.
Still, even an actor of Isaac’s caliber isn’t immune to the occasional misfire. Big-budget projects like X-Men: Apocalypse (where he played the villain) and The Card Counter didn’t land as well as expected, with some citing muddled storytelling or tonal disconnects. Despite these critical failings, Isaac remains a fan-favorite and a consistent draw for audiences seeking more thoughtful, unconventional performances.
In The Hand Of Dante Debuts With A 38% Rotten Tomatoes Score
Oscar Isaac’s In the Hand of Dante has debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a disappointing 38% following its premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2025. Directed by Julian Schnabel, attempting to blend historical mystery with modern crime drama, In the Hand of Dante features a high-profile cast including Jason Momoa, Gal Gadot, and Gerard Butler.
Adapted from Nick Tosches’ bestselling 2002 novel, the film follows a handwritten manuscript of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy which winds up in the hands of a mob boss in New York. While the premise offered plenty of intrigue, and In the Hand of Dante’s cast is certainly something to behold, several called the film confusing and even somewhat boring.
Our Take On In The Hand Of Dante’s Reception
Oscar Isaac is no stranger to challenging material — in fact, he often thrives in it. However, according to reviews, In the Hand of Dante may be a case of ambition overpowering cohesion. The film clearly aims for something bold and cerebral, but considering the negative reviews, even the most compelling performances from high-profile actors can get lost in the shuffle.
Isaac has a strong track record in morally gray, intellectual roles, and Julian Schnabel (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) is no stranger to artistic storytelling. Therefore, given In the Hand of Dante’s director and lead role, with a cast which also includes legends like Martin Scorsese and Al Pacino, the film’s debut Rotten Tomatoes score is particularly surprising.
That being said, while In the Hands of Dante’s current 38% Tomatometer score won’t do the film any favors, there’s still a chance it could resonate with a niche audience, particularly fans of Isaac’s work or those drawn to experimental cinema. Based on critical responses, though, In the Hand of Dante might remain a curiosity rather than a must-watch.
- Birthdate
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March 9, 1979
- Birthplace
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Guatemala City, Guatemala Department, Guatemala
- Height
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5 feet 8 inches
