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 (in which he plays the тιтular villain) and The Card Counter didn’t land as well as expected, with some citing muddled storytelling or tonal disconnects. Despite these critical failings, Oscar 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

Adapted from Nick Tosches’ bestselling 2002 novel, Isaac’s new film In the Hand of Dante follows a handwritten manuscript of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, which winds up in the hands of a New York mob boss. Directed by Julian Schnabel, attempting to blend historical mystery with modern crime drama, the high-profile cast also includes Jason Momoa, Gal Gadot, and Gerard Butler.

However, 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. While the premise offers 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 RT Score

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 even the most compelling performances can get lost in the shuffle.

Isaac has a strong track record with morally gray, intellectual roles, and Julian Schnabel (The Diving Bell and the ʙuттerfly) is experienced in artistic storytelling. Therefore, given In the Hand of Dante‘s director and lead star, with a cast that also includes legends like Martin Scorsese and Al Pacino, the film’s debut score is particularly surprising.

That being said, while In the Hands of Dante‘s current 38% Tomatometer score won’t do it any favors, there’s still a chance it could resonate with a niche audience, particularly fans of Oscar 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.