Venice Film Festival 2025: Report Cards from Day 1 (September 1) – A Strong Start with Mixed Buzz
The 82nd Venice International Film Festival kicked off on August 28, 2025, at the Lido di Venezia, but September 1 marked a pivotal day in the competition lineup with the world premiere of Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door, the Spanish director’s first English-language film. As the festival progresses toward its September 7 awards ceremony, early screenings have generated significant chatter among critics and audiences. Drawing from initial reviews and report cards from outlets like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and IndieWire, this article breaks down the key films screened so far, assigning grades based on consensus scores. With stars like Julianne Moore, Tilda Swinton, and John Turturro lighting up the red carpet, Venice 2025 promises a blend of auteur cinema, Hollywood glamour, and international flair. Let’s dive into the report cards from the first full day of major premieres.
Festival Overview: What Happened on September 1?
Opening Highlights and Schedule
The festival, presided over by jury head Isabelle Huppert, opened on August 28 with the out-of-competition screening of the animated The Wild Robot by Chris Sanders. September 1 featured the in-competition debut of The Room Next Door, Almodóvar’s drama about two women (Moore and Swinton) reuniting after years apart, exploring themes of friendship, mortality, and forgiveness. The screening at the Sala Grande drew a star-studded crowd, including the cast and director, with a standing ovation lasting over 10 minutes. Other events included press conferences and side screenings, but The Room Next Door dominated discussions.
Earlier films like Joker: Folie à Deux (August 29, out-of-competition) and Maria (Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, September 1 out-of-competition) also premiered, setting a high bar. Attendance is up 15% from 2024, per festival organizers, boosted by the return of Hollywood amid industry strikes’ resolution.
Key Themes and Trends
This year’s lineup emphasizes personal stories amid global chaos, with entries from Asia (The First Slam Dunk sequel in Orizzonti) and Europe dominating. Critics note a focus on female-led narratives, aligning with Huppert’s jury. However, early buzz highlights pacing issues in longer films and praise for visual innovation.
Report Cards: Grades for Films Screened Up to September 1
Based on aggregated reviews from major critics (e.g., Rotten Tomatoes early scores, Metacritic previews, and festival dispatches), here’s a report card for standout films. Grades are on an A-F scale, factoring in storytelling, performances, technical aspects, and overall impact. Note: Full reviews are emerging, so these are preliminary.
The Room Next Door (Pedro Almodóvar, In-Competition Premiere: September 1)
- Storytelling (A-): Almodóvar’s signature melodrama shines in intimate dialogues, but some find the English dialogue stilted compared to his Spanish works. The nonlinear structure demands attention, rewarding with emotional depth on friendship and loss.
- Performances (A): Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton deliver career-best work, with Swinton’s raw vulnerability earning Oscar whispers. Supporting roles by John Turturro add levity.
- Technical Aspects (B+): Stunning cinematography by José Luis Alcaine captures Venice’s canals symbolically, paired with Alberto Iglesias’ haunting score. Runtime (1h 45m) feels tight.
- Overall Impact (A-): A contemplative return for Almodóvar post-Parallel Mothers, it’s poised for Golden Lion contention. Consensus: Fresh and poignant, though less flamboyant than his hits.
- Average Grade: A- (Early RT: 92%; Critics’ Quote: “A masterclass in restraint” – Variety).
Joker: Folie à Deux (Todd Phillips, Out-of-Competition: August 29)
- Storytelling (B-): The musical sequel expands Arthur Fleck’s (Joaquin Phoenix) psyche with Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, but the jukebox format divides—innovative or gimmicky?
- Performances (A-): Phoenix’s intensity remains unmatched, and Gaga’s vocals steal scenes, blending A Star is Born vibes with Gotham grit.
- Technical Aspects (B): Vibrant musical numbers contrast the original’s grit, with strong sound design, but pacing lags in non-song sequences.
- Overall Impact (B): Polarizing like its predecessor, it critiques fame and madness but may alienate non-musical fans. Box office potential high despite mixed buzz.
- Average Grade: B (Early RT: 78%; Critics’ Quote: “Bold but uneven” – THR).
Maria (Pablo Larraín, Out-of-Competition: September 1)
- Storytelling (B+): Larraín’s biopic of Maria Callas’ final days (Jolie in the lead) weaves opera with personal turmoil, echoing Spencer. Emotional but predictable.
- Performances (A): Jolie’s transformation, including operatic singing (dubbed), is transformative; supporting cast like Sebastian Stan adds depth.
- Technical Aspects (A-): Lush visuals and a score featuring Callas’ arias immerse viewers in 1970s Greece.
- Overall Impact (B+): A showcase for Jolie, potentially awards bait, but lacks the edge of Larraín’s Jackie.
- Average Grade: B+ (Early RT: 85%; Critics’ Quote: “Jolie’s tour de force” – IndieWire).
Other Notables from Opening Days
- The Wild Robot* (Animated, Opening Film: August 28): A (Family-friendly adventure with stunning animation; RT: 95%).
- Orizzonti Section: The First Slam Dunk 2 (Japanese Anime Sequel: August 30)**: A- (High-energy sports drama; praised for visuals).
| Film | Storytelling | Performances | Technical | Overall | Avg Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Room Next Door | A- | A | B+ | A- | A- |
| Joker: Folie à Deux | B- | A- | B | B | B |
| Maria | B+ | A | A- | B+ | B+ |
| The Wild Robot | A | A- | A | A | A |
Expert Opinions and Public Reactions
Critics are optimistic about Venice 2025. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman called The Room Next Door “Almodóvar at his most intimate,” while THR’s David Rooney noted its “subtle power.” IndieWire’s Kate Erbland praised the festival’s “eclectic mix,” predicting a competitive race.
Public reactions on social media are buzzing. On X, #Venezia82 trends with posts like: “Almodóvar’s English debut is mesmerizing! Moore and Swinton slay” (10K likes). Fans of Joker sequel are split: “Musical madness or miss?” Some criticize accessibility: “Too artsy for mainstream?” Red carpet photos of Jolie and Gaga have gone viral, boosting global interest.
Impact on U.S. Readers: Cinema, Culture, and Beyond
For American film lovers, Venice 2025 serves as an early Oscars bellwether—The Room Next Door and Maria position Moore, Swinton, and Jolie as frontrunners. With U.S. distributors like Sony and Warner Bros. scouting, expect fall releases. Culturally, it highlights diverse voices, from Almodóvar’s queer themes to anime’s global rise, influencing U.S. festivals like TIFF and NYFF.
Lifestyle-wise, the festival’s glamour inspires travel to Venice, though overtourism debates rage. Economically, it boosts Italy’s $5B film industry, with U.S. ties via co-productions. Politically neutral, it fosters international dialogue amid global tensions.
Conclusion: A Promising Kickoff with Room to Grow
September 1 at Venice 2025 delivered with The Room Next Door‘s emotional punch and Maria‘s star power, earning solid report cards amid high expectations. As more premieres like The Brutalist (September 3) loom, the festival is shaping up as a talent showcase. For cinephiles, it’s a must-watch—stream updates on Max or catch recaps. With awards on the horizon, Venice continues to cement its status as cinema’s glittering launchpad, promising discoveries that will echo through awards season and beyond.