Netflix's latest crime thriller, In the Hand of Dante, was supposed to be a surefire hit. With a cast boasting heavyweights like Gerard Butler, Oscar Isaac, and Al Pacino, the streaming giant had all the ingredients for a gripping, star-driven blockbuster. But the film has instead become one of the most critically panned releases of 2026, earning a Rotten Tomatoes score that has left fans and industry insiders stunned.
As of its debut, In the Hand of Dante sits at a dismal 18% on the Tomatometer, making it one of the worst-reviewed Netflix original movies of the year. Critics have lambasted the film for its convoluted plot, lackluster direction, and failure to utilize its A-list ensemble effectively. The movie, which follows a detective (Butler) entangled in a dark conspiracy involving a mysterious manuscript, has been described as "a muddled mess" and "a waste of immense talent."
A Star-Studded Cast Can't Save a Flawed Script
The film's troubles begin with its screenplay, which critics say tries to cram too many twists and turns into a runtime that feels both bloated and rushed. Oscar Isaac plays a enigmatic art dealer, while Al Pacino appears as a grizzled mentor figure, but both are given little to work with. Gerard Butler, known for his action roles, struggles to bring depth to a character that feels like a generic noir detective. The result is a thriller that fails to thrill, despite its pedigree.
This isn't the first time Netflix has stumbled with a high-profile crime thriller. The streamer has seen mixed results with similar projects, but In the Hand of Dante marks a new low. For context, other recent Netflix originals like Harlan Coben's 'I Will Find You' have found success with audiences, proving that the platform can still deliver gripping mysteries. But In the Hand of Dante misses the mark entirely.
What Went Wrong?
Director Dante Russo, making his feature debut after a career in music videos, has been criticized for a lack of cohesive vision. The film's visual style is flashy but hollow, and the pacing is erratic. Many reviewers noted that the movie feels like a collection of stylish scenes rather than a coherent story. Even the usually reliable Al Pacino seems to be sleepwalking through his role, delivering lines with little of the fire that made him a legend.
The film's failure is especially disappointing given the buzz surrounding its production. With a budget reportedly north of $80 million, Netflix was hoping for a franchise-starter. Instead, In the Hand of Dante joins the ranks of other star-studded misfires that prove big names don't guarantee big results. It's a cautionary tale for streaming services that increasingly rely on A-list talent to draw subscribers.
Audience Reaction and Future Prospects
While critics have savaged the film, audience scores are only slightly better, hovering around 35% on Rotten Tomatoes. Early viewers have taken to social media to express their disappointment, with many calling it "a boring slog" and "a waste of a great cast." Some have even compared it unfavorably to other recent Netflix thrillers like Liam Neeson's 'Blacklight', which found a second life on streaming despite its own critical drubbing.
For Netflix, the poor reception of In the Hand of Dante is a setback, but the streamer has plenty of other content in the pipeline. Upcoming releases like 'Ransom Canyon' Season 2 and Brad Bird's 'Ray Gunn' offer hope for better reviews. But for now, In the Hand of Dante stands as a stark reminder that even the most star-studded projects can fall flat.
Whether the film will find an audience over time remains to be seen. Some thrillers have gained cult followings after initial pans, but given the current consensus, In the Hand of Dante seems destined to be remembered as one of Netflix's biggest misfires of 2026.
