Somewhere between prestige literary drama and unhinged crime caper, In the Hand of Dante decided to cast Oscar Isaac as both a modern-day writer and Dante Alighieri himself, then added Gal Gadot, Gerard Butler, Al Pacino, Jason Momoa, and — because why not — Martin Scorsese as an actual character. The result is either a fever dream of ambition or the most interesting thing on your Netflix home screen this week, possibly both. It is streaming on Netflix in the UAE right now, no VPN required.
Where to Watch In the Hand of Dante in the UAE
In the Hand of Dante is available to stream exclusively on Netflix in the UAE. If you have a Netflix subscription, you are already sorted — open the app, search the title, and settle in for a 153-minute ride through medieval Florence and modern-day crime. No additional rental fee, no separate purchase required.
| Platform (UAE) | Netflix |
|---|---|
| US platform | Netflix |
| UAE price | AED 35/month (Basic), AED 49/month (Standard), AED 71/month (Premium) |
| Runtime | ~153 minutes |
| Rating | R |
In the Hand of Dante Official Trailer
What Is In the Hand of Dante About?
In the Hand of Dante is a dual-timeline drama about the discovery of Dante’s original Divine Comedy manuscript — and the chaos that follows when someone decides to steal it.
The story opens with a Vatican priest who unearths what may be the most significant literary artefact in human history: Dante Alighieri’s handwritten original of the Divine Comedy. Rather than quietly authenticate it and hand it back to the Church, the priest enlists writer Nick Tosches — a man whose relationship with organised crime is, let’s say, complicated — to verify its authenticity. Tosches, being Tosches, has other ideas.
Running parallel to this very modern heist-adjacent storyline is the story of Dante himself, navigating 14th-century Florence, papal politics, exile, and the singular obsession of writing one of the greatest works in Western literature. Oscar Isaac plays both men, which is either the most elegant casting decision of the year or an absolutely audacious swing — and the film commits to it completely.
Director Julian Schnabel brings a painter’s eye to the material, which makes sense given his background, and the film is based on Nick Tosches’s own novel of the same name. It is dense, literary, and genuinely strange in the best possible way. Think less The Da Vinci Code, more a crime film that got lost in a medieval poetry seminar and decided to stay.
In the Hand of Dante Cast
The cast of In the Hand of Dante is, to put it plainly, absurd in scope — and that is a compliment. Oscar Isaac carries the dual lead with the kind of controlled intensity he brings to everything, while Gal Gadot appears in both timelines as Giulietta and Gemma Donati. Gerard Butler as a crime figure who doubles as Pope Bonifacio VIII is a sentence that should not work and yet here we are. John Malkovich playing a character named Joe Black feels deeply correct. And then there is the matter of Al Pacino and Martin Scorsese — both appearing as fictional versions of themselves, or at least versions of themselves — which gives the film an almost surreal meta quality that you will either love immediately or need a moment to adjust to. Jason Momoa rounds things out with a supporting turn that suggests he is quietly becoming one of the more interesting character actors working today.
Is In the Hand of Dante Kid-Friendly?
In the Hand of Dante is not suitable for children — it carries an R rating. The film contains adult themes including organised crime, violence, and mature literary content. The dual narrative also demands sustained attention across 153 minutes, which rules it out for younger viewers on patience grounds alone, quite apart from the content.
Recommended age: 17 and above, in line with the R certification.
Is In the Hand of Dante Free to Watch?
In the Hand of Dante is included in all Netflix subscription tiers — there is no extra charge to watch it beyond your existing plan. If you are already a Netflix subscriber in the UAE, the film is available to you right now at no additional cost. If you are not yet subscribed, the entry-level plan is the most affordable route in, and at 153 minutes you are getting reasonable value from a single sitting. It is worth checking whether your du or Etisalat package includes a Netflix bundle, as some UAE telecoms plans offer Netflix access as part of a broader entertainment add-on — worth a check before paying separately.
Can I Watch In the Hand of Dante While Travelling Outside the UAE?
Your ability to watch In the Hand of Dante outside the UAE depends on Netflix’s regional licensing agreements for the title in whichever country you are visiting. Netflix originals and globally licensed titles typically travel with your account, but licensed content can vary by territory. If the film is available in the country you are travelling to, it will appear in your Netflix library as normal. If it is not, it may be temporarily unavailable until you return. No workarounds here — just check the Netflix app when you land.
What to Watch After In the Hand of Dante
- The Two Popes (Netflix) — another Vatican-set drama that takes religion, history, and moral complexity seriously, without taking itself too seriously.
- Ripley (Netflix) — if the literary crime energy of In the Hand of Dante is what hooked you, Andrew Scott’s turn in this stunning black-and-white adaptation of Patricia Highsmith is essential viewing.
- The Name of the Rose — medieval mystery, a stolen manuscript’s worth of atmosphere, and a reminder that the 14th century was genuinely chaotic in ways that make great drama.
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Last verified: 26 June 2026. Streaming availability can change — we’ll update this guide if anything shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch In the Hand of Dante in the UAE?
In the Hand of Dante is streaming on Netflix in the UAE. It is available on all subscription tiers with no additional rental or purchase fee required.
Is In the Hand of Dante free to watch on Netflix?
The film is included in all Netflix plans — you do not need to pay anything extra beyond your existing subscription. If you are not yet a Netflix subscriber, you will need a plan to access it.
How long is In the Hand of Dante?
In the Hand of Dante has a runtime of 153 minutes, making it a full evening’s commitment. Clear your schedule accordingly.
Is In the Hand of Dante suitable for kids?
No. The film is rated R and contains mature themes including crime, violence, and adult content. It is recommended for viewers aged 17 and above.
Is there a sequel to In the Hand of Dante?
As of now, no sequel has been announced. The film is based on Nick Tosches’s novel of the same name and functions as a standalone story. Whether Netflix revisits the material remains to be seen.
