Venice 2025 Anticipated Film Lineup: The Movies I Can't Wait to Watch Most
The Venice Film Festival 2025 is creating a stir, not just for its lineup of high-quality cinema, but also for the political tensions that accompany it. This year, the festival is taking place at the Lido, with a pro-Palestinian demonstration drawing much police presence and helicopters circling overhead.
Among the films creating a buzz is "A House of Dynamite," directed by Kathryn Bigelow. This gripping drama explores different perspectives on a rocket strike over Chicago, including conversations within the Situation Room in the White House and high-level phone calls with Moscow. The recent Trump-Putin summit in Alaska adds to the intrigue surrounding this film, as it premieres in theaters on October 9, 2025, and on Netflix on October 24, 2025.
Another film attracting attention is a drama based on the true story of five-year-old Hind Rajab, who survived an Israeli attack during the Israel-Gaza conflict. Titled "The Voice of Hind Rajab," the film has received high-profile backing, with producers including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, and Jonathan Glazer. The release date for "The Voice of Hind Rajab" is expected to be announced soon.
A film about Vladimir Putin is also drawing attention at the festival. Jude Law portrays Putin in this yet-to-be-titled film, although details about the plot are scarce.
In a change of pace, Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos presents "Bugonia," a dark comedy starring Emma Stone. The story revolves around a biotech CEO entangled with a conspiracy theorist. "Bugonia" hits theaters on October 30, 2025.
Italian director Luca Guadagnino's film "Bones and All" did not impress critics at its Venice premiere, but Guadagnino's previous works such as "Call Me By Your Name" and "We Are Who We Are" have gained worldwide fame.
Dwayne Johnson is making waves with his first genuinely good film according to a colleague of British GQ, titled "The Smashing Machine." The action-packed film will be in cinemas from 2nd October 2025.
"After the Hunt" is another film generating interest. Julia Roberts stars in this drama about a philosophy professor accused of sexual harassment by a student, with complications arising from her former lover and husband's lingering attraction to her. "After the Hunt" hits theaters on October 16 and later on Netflix.
The Venice Film Festival is also hosting the rapturous opening of Paolo Sorrentino's film "La Grazia," a film about a fictional Italian president. The theatrical release of "La Grazia" is scheduled for early 2026.
Lastly, Christoph Waltz is among the supporting cast of Netflix's "Frankenstein." The film, which will be in cinemas from 23rd October 2025 and will be available on Netflix from 7th November 2025, promises to be a thrilling adaptation of the classic tale.
With such a diverse and exciting lineup, the Venice Film Festival 2025 is sure to be an unforgettable event.
