Whether you identify as a cinephile or not, it's hard to ignore that September is shaping up to be a mammoth month in film. And that's largely thanks to the Venice Film Festival program – which is well underway. This year marks the renowned festival's 82nd iteration and, as always, will see seasoned directors, A-list actors, breakout stars and emerging auteurs alike, convene in Venice to bask in some of the most anticipated projects of the year.
There's After The Hunt, Luca Guadagnino's long-awaited thriller, starring Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, and Chloë Sevigny (seriously, think of the red carpet). There's also Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, which stars Jacob Elordi as the titular monster and, according to del Toro, is set to be more emotional than scary.
So, if you're wondering which titles you simply can't miss on this year's program, we've got you covered. Below, seven movies making their debut at the 2025 Venice Film Festival that you'll want to keep an eye on.
1. After The Hunt
We've been waiting with baited breath for more work from Guadagnino since Queer hit cinemas last year. And now, it's here, in the form of a thriller about a college professor (Julia Roberts), who finds herself at a crossroads when her former pupil (Ayo Edebiri) levels serious allegations against her colleage and friend (Andrew Garfield). Expect a starry cast, and an even more captivating story.
2. Frankenstein
The road to this one has been a long time coming. Adapted from Mary Shelley's classic novel, the film comes courtesy of Guillermo del Toro and Netflix, and stars Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi as his monster, Mia Goth as his love interest, and Christoph Waltz.
3. The Testament of Ann Lee
We've been longing for more Amanda Seyfried (particularly in a singing role) on screens, and our calls have finally been answered. In this historical drama-musical, she stars as Ann Lee, the founding leader of the 18th century Shaker Movement, who was proclaimed by her followers as the female Christ. It's directed by Mona Fastvold, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Brady Corbet.
4. The Wizard of Kremlin
Another adaptation (this time based on Giuliano da Empoli’s bestseller by the same name), The Wizard Of Kremlin is set in Russia in the early 1990s, and in the aftermath of the USSR's collapse. It charts a young Russian filmmaker who becomes an unlikely advisor to Vladimir Putin (played by Jude Law), as he rises to power in post-Soviet Russia.
5. Bugonia
Yorgos Lanthimos has dominated cinema in the last few years, and he's showing no sign slowing down. Bugonia reunites Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons as well as OG icon Alicia Silverstone, in an adaptation of hit Korean film, Save The Green Planet. As for the plot, it follows two conspiracy-obsessed young men, who kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.
6. The Smashing Machine
This next one comes courtesy of A24 and Benny Safdie, and casts Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as former MMA/UFC champion Mark Kerr, aka "The Smashing Machine". The true story also stars Emily Blunt.
7. Marc By Sofia
It's not included in the official competition, but Sofia Coppola's debut documentary is (obviously) worth getting excited about. Her subject is longtime friend and creative collaborator, Marc Jacobs. Little is known about the extent of the story itself, but with these two involved, expect it to be visually beautiful.
8. A House Of Dynamite
Kathryn Bigelow is back after eight years, directing Idris Elba and Rebecca Ferguson as they navigate an impending missile attack from the confines of the White House. And as the first woman to win Best Director at the Academy Awards, we know this one's going to be worth the wait.
9. Jay Kelly
We've only just recovered from the emotional flatlining of Marriage Story, but Noah Baumbach is back with his latest project Jay Kelly. Starring George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Laura Dern, the film centres on an aging Hollywood star and his manager during a business trip.
10. Father Mother Sister Brother
Cate Blanchett joins forces with writer and director Jim Jarmusch for this film, which follows a group of estranged siblings who are brought back together after years apart, and forced to confront unresolved tensions from their past. Blanchett plays one of the siblings, and is joined on screen by Adam Driver, Vicky Krieps, Tom Waits, Charlotte Rampling, and Indya Moore.
