VENICE, Italy (AP) — Kathryn Bigelow, renowned for her politically charged films, presents her latest work, “A House of Dynamite,” which premieres on Tuesday at the Venice Film Festival. The film delves into the critical issue of geopolitics, framing a narrative centered on an impending missile strike against the United States by an unidentified aggressor and the White House's response to this dire situation.
In her director's statement, Bigelow reflects on the historical context of her upbringing, mentioning her experiences during a time when schoolchildren practiced drills to survive atomic threats. She observes, “I grew up in an era when hiding under your school desk was considered the go-to protocol for surviving an atomic bomb. Today, the danger has only escalated.” Bigelow expresses concern over the normalization of such terrifying possibilities, noting that multiple nations now possess the capability to annihilate civilization in mere minutes.
The filmmaker aims to address this troubling paradox by creating a film that confronts the madness of living under the constant threat of annihilation while rarely discussing it openly. “To explore the madness of a world that lives under the constant shadow of annihilation, yet rarely speaks of it,” she states, highlighting the urgency of the theme she tackles in her latest project.
“A House of Dynamite” marks Bigelow's first feature since 2017’s "Detroit." She is celebrated for her politically themed films, including “The Hurt Locker,” which earned her the distinction of being the first female director to win the Academy Award for Best Director. Her previous works, such as “Zero Dark Thirty,” also reflect her commitment to tackling significant socio-political issues through cinematic storytelling.
The screenplay for “A House of Dynamite” was penned by Noah Oppenheim, the former President of NBC News, who previously won the Best Screenplay award at the Venice Film Festival for “Jackie” in 2016. The film is part of a competitive lineup at this year’s festival, which features three Netflix productions, including Guillermo del Toro’s gothic adaptation of “Frankenstein” and Noah Baumbach’s Hollywood drama “Jay Kelly.” Notably, Netflix has yet to secure a Best Picture win, and the Venice Film Festival has historically served as a valuable launchpad for films vying for awards recognition.
Starring Idris Elba and Rebecca Ferguson, “A House of Dynamite” boasts a robust supporting cast, including notable actors like Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, and Greta Lee. The film is set to be released in theaters on October 10, followed by a streaming debut on October 24, making it accessible to a broader audience following its festival run.
The Venice Film Festival, renowned for its prestigious awards, will conclude on September 6, with winners decided by a jury led by filmmaker Alexander Payne. As the festival progresses, “A House of Dynamite” stands as a contender not only for recognition within the festival but also as a poignant commentary on global tensions and the realities of living in an era marked by potential devastation.
For continuous updates and coverage of the 2025 Venice Film Festival, audiences are directed to visit the dedicated festival page.
