Maggie Gyllenhaal Unveils First Look at Marilyn Monroe Film Flesh Impact

The film explores the enduring enigma of Monroe, utilizing a title derived from the sensory experience of her on-screen presence—a quality so vivid that contemporaries described it as an almost physical touch. Dakota Johnson captures the star at the zenith of her fame, while Ellen Burstyn portrays an imagined, private iteration of the icon. The project arrives with the formal blessing of the Marilyn Monroe estate, represented by Authentic Brands Group.

Gyllenhaal, who wrote and directed the piece, has assembled a high-caliber production team including production designer Karen Murphy and cinematographer Lawrence Sher. The Venice debut will also serve as a tribute to Burstyn, who is slated to receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement during the festival. For Genesis, the collaboration represents a strategic expansion of its art initiatives, framing the automotive brand as a patron of cultural legacy. Beyond the premiere, the project underscores a broader effort by the studio partners—including The Cut and Superprime—to reclaim the narrative of a woman whose influence has persisted long after her death.