The Venice Film Festival, Europe's oldest film event, first opened in 1932. The 82nd edition runs from 27/8 to 9/9. The event is attracting attention thanks to a gathering of Hollywood stars and new works from veteran directors like Guillermo del Toro, Noah Baumbach, and Park Chan Wook.

The Smashing Machine

This Golden Lion contender, produced by A24, is written and directed by Benny Safdie. The film is based on the life of martial arts legend Mark Kerr (Dwayne Johnson), a two-time UFC heavyweight champion in MMA (mixed martial arts).

Venice Film Festival's artistic director Alberto Barbera commented on Variety, "As soon as we finished watching, we were certain this was a work with award-winning potential and would leave a lasting impression." He also praised Dwayne Johnson's acting.

The Hollywood Reporter suggests the film marks a transformation for The Rock, demonstrating his willingness to take on more diverse roles.

Jay Kelly

George Clooney (left) and Adam Sandler (right) in "Jay Kelly". Photo: Netflix

This film, directed by Noah Baumbach, competes for the top prize at the Venice Film Festival. It revolves around a European tour by Jay Kelly (George Clooney), a movie star undergoing an identity crisis, and his manager Ron (Adam Sandler).

George Clooney praised Adam Sandler's performance. "Adam demonstrates a subtle and deeper acting ability than in any of his previous roles," he said in an interview with Vanity Fair.

The project boasts a star-studded cast including George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Greta Gerwig, Laura Dern, and Riley Keough. IndieWire considers the film Netflix's "trump card" in this year's awards race.

Frankenstein

This year's Golden Lion contender from director Guillermo del Toro is adapted from Mary Shelley's novel of the same name. Set in 19th-century Europe, the film revolves around scientist Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) and his ambition to create a monstrous being (Jacob Elordi), leading to tragedy for both. Del Toro told Vanity Fair, "The film explores family conflict—an aspect often overlooked in Mary Shelley's classic work."

According to IndieWire, experts consider the film a pinnacle of del Toro's horror filmmaking career.

Bugonia

Emma Stone in "Bugonia". Photo: Focus Features

This Golden Lion contender, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is based on the 2003 South Korean film Save the Green Planet! Emma Stone plays the powerful CEO of a pharmaceutical corporation, kidnapped by two men who believe she is an alien plotting to destroy Earth.

The film marks a reunion between Lanthimos and Stone after the success of Poor Things (2023), which earned Stone the Academy Award for Best Actress.

No Other Choice

Lee Byung Hun (left) and Son Ye Jin (right) play a married couple for the first time on screen. Photo: CJ ENM

Directed by Park Chan Wook, this film competes for the Golden Lion at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. Adapted from Donald Westlake's crime novel The Ax, the story follows Yoo Man Soo (Lee Byung Hun), an office worker suddenly laid off, who must find a way to eliminate a rival to secure a job and protect his wife (Son Ye Jin) and two children.

According to Deadline, Park Chan Wook has been developing the project for over 15 years, since he first revealed his intention to adapt Westlake's novel at the 2009 Busan International Film Festival. The film is highly anticipated by critics and audiences, hoping it will achieve great success and contribute to changing the status of Korean cinema.

After the Hunt

Julia Roberts (right) and Andrew Garfield (left) in "After the Hunt". Photo: Amazon MGM Studios

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, this film tells the story of a Yale philosophy professor (Julia Roberts) facing conflict when her student (Ayo Edebiri) accuses her close friend and colleague (Andrew Garfield) of sexual assault.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, festival director Alberto Barbera expressed regret at not being able to include the film in the competition, a decision made by the producers. Despite this, the film is still attracting significant attention from the press and public.

Thu Giang