Netflix’s latest historical-meets-modern fantasy, “In the Hand of Dante,” sees Oscar Isaac stepping into dual roles as the poet and his reincarnation. Despite featuring powerhouse talents like Gerard Butler, Gal Gadot, John Malkovich, Al Pacino, and Jason Momoa, the film is already widely panned as a “time-hopping trainwreck.”
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Movie Reviews
Stream It Or Skip It: ‘In the Hand of Dante’ on Netflix, a Time-Hopping Trainwreck Starring Oscar Isaac as Dante Alighieri and his Newer, Reincarnated Self
Photo by New York Post
Key Takeaways:
- Oscar Isaac plays Dante Alighieri and his reincarnated self
- The film is described as a “time-hopping trainwreck”
- Gerard Butler, Gal Gadot, John Malkovich, Al Pacino, and Jason Momoa appear in supporting roles
- Referred to as a “mega-misfire” despite its star-studded lineup
- Released on Netflix to mixed early reactions
A Cinematic Time Warp
“In the Hand of Dante,” now streaming on Netflix, brings the legendary poet Dante Alighieri hurtling through time into a contemporary setting. Oscar Isaac leads the charge, taking on the daunting task of embodying both the great Italian writer and his new, modern incarnation.
Star-Studded Ensemble
Joining Isaac is a formidable roster of talent, including Gerard Butler, Gal Gadot, John Malkovich, Al Pacino, and Jason Momoa. This all-star lineup was initially expected to elevate the film’s grand concept. With blockbuster names attached, anticipation ran high for a sweeping historical fantasy that could capture the imagination of audiences around the globe.
A “Time-Hopping Trainwreck”
The exuberance, however, dissipated when the film was dubbed a “time-hopping trainwreck” by sources, quickly followed by the damning label of “mega-misfire.” Critics have cited the film’s uneven narrative, attempting to merge medieval literary heritage with modern-day storylines, as one of the primary stumbling blocks.
Critical Reception
Industry observers from the New York Post have pointed out the jarring shifts in tone and pacing that undermine the stellar performances. While each actor brings their signature style to the screen, the consensus so far is that even a gathering of top-tier talent could not save “In the Hand of Dante” from its unwieldy premise.
Considering the Stream or Skip
Despite harsh criticism, the movie’s high-profile cast and the curious spectacle of Oscar Isaac’s dual portrayal might still attract viewers. For those intrigued by an unusual blend of history and fantasy or who wish to see how such a cast fares under the weight of expectations, the question remains: should you stream it or skip it? Ultimately, “In the Hand of Dante” has both the names and the notoriety to keep it on Netflix’s radar—even if it may have missed its mark.
