At the 2026 Busan International Film Festival, Maggie Gyllenhaal unveiled her latest project, a short film that reimagines Marilyn Monroe in a way that's as unexpected as it is profound. Commissioned by the luxury car brand Genesis to celebrate what would have been Monroe's 100th birthday, Flesh Impact premiered at Venice and is now making its way through the festival circuit. But don't let the corporate backing fool you—this isn't your typical brand-sponsored content.
Gyllenhaal, a two-time Oscar nominee, has crafted a 17-minute piece that defies expectations. Instead of a glossy commercial, she delivers a melancholic, almost ghostly exploration of Monroe's legacy and the consuming nature of acting. The car itself barely appears, bookending the film with a subtle presence. The real focus is on the two actresses at its heart: Dakota Johnson as a young Monroe and the legendary Ellen Burstyn as an older version of the icon.
A Showcase for Ellen Burstyn
Johnson's screen time is minimal—likely under three minutes—but her presence sets the stage. The bulk of Flesh Impact belongs to Burstyn, who plays Monroe auditioning for a haughty director (Peter Sarsgaard, Gyllenhaal's husband) and his assistant (Spideh Moafi). It's a daring choice that pays off spectacularly. Burstyn, at 93, delivers a performance that's both fierce and vulnerable, turning what could have been a simple monologue into a masterclass in acting.
Gyllenhaal's script gives Burstyn rich material to work with—lines that are tender, biting, and angry all at once. But it's Burstyn's sheer presence that captivates. Standing alone on a dimly lit stage, she commands attention without any theatrical tricks. It's a reminder of why she's a legend, from Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore to The Exorcist and Requiem for a Dream.
More Than a Love Letter
While Genesis describes Flesh Impact as "a love letter to one of cinema's most enduring icons," Gyllenhaal's vision goes deeper. She uses Monroe's story to critique how we consume actors, a theme that resonates today. "The way we consume actors" is a phrase Gyllenhaal herself used, and it's evident in every frame. This older Monroe is wise, not wistful—weary but accepting. Burstyn's tone is calm even when the words are sharp, creating a fascinating tension that lingers long after the film ends.
Gyllenhaal was initially hesitant to take on the project, admitting she wasn't familiar with Monroe's filmography. But she found her angle by focusing on Monroe "between her big moments," offering a glimpse into the private struggles behind the public persona. She also made a bold choice to reject Genesis's request to use AI to transform Johnson into a younger Monroe, opting instead for a more human approach. "Covering Dakota's face did the absolute opposite of that," she explained, emphasizing the need to imagine Monroe's internal life.
A New Path for Filmmakers
The fact that a luxury brand would fund such an artistic endeavor is noteworthy in itself. Genesis has given Gyllenhaal complete creative freedom, and the result is a film that feels anything but corporate. The company is also partnering with The Gotham Film & Media Institute to provide finishing funds for three NYC-set short films, signaling a genuine commitment to supporting the arts beyond this single project.
In an era where even established filmmakers struggle to secure funding, Flesh Impact suggests a potential new avenue for creative expression. It's a reminder that art can come from unexpected places, and that sometimes, the most compelling stories are told in the spaces between the big moments. For fans of Monroe, Burstyn, or simply great cinema, this short is a must-see—a haunting, thought-provoking piece that redefines what a brand-sponsored film can be.
