Dakota Johnson and Ellen Burstyn to Play Two Versions of Marilyn Monroe in Maggie Gyllenhaal's Short Film 'Flesh Impact'

In the international cinema landscape, few projects spark curiosity from the very day of announcement as director Maggie Gyllenhaal's short film "Flesh Impact". The work not only marks the return of the American filmmaker after the success of "The Lost Daughter" (2026) but also shocked audiences by unveiling its main cast: Dakota Johnson and legendary actress Ellen Burstyn will together embody Marilyn Monroe – the most iconic sex symbol of 20th-century Hollywood. According to information from the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, the film is scheduled to premiere on September 7, with an additional screening on September 8. Beyond mere entertainment, "Flesh Impact" is presented by Genesis, a luxury car brand, indicating serious financial investment. The most special aspect lies in its script: the film revolves around an encounter between two versions of Marilyn Monroe at different ages – one young, one already 100 years old. This fictional narrative opens up an ambitious cinematic space where the past and future of a legend are explored through a strongly feminist lens. Choosing Dakota Johnson to play young Marilyn is a bold decision. Johnson, formerly associated with the "Fifty Shades" franchise, is gradually asserting her talent through numerous artistic projects. She is expected to convey the fragility and allure that once captivated millions. Conversely, Ellen Burstyn, the 92-year-old Oscar-winning legend for "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" (2026), will play Marilyn at age 100 – a symbolic aging that demands profound introspective acting. Also joining are Peter Sarsgaard, veteran actor and husband of director Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Sepideh Moafi, a rising face in independent cinema. Although details about their roles remain undisclosed, their presence promises to create a rich, multi-dimensional character universe. Many critics suggest that "Flesh Impact" might be more than an experimental piece; it could serve as an artistic manifesto about age, fame, and the psychological wounds of women under societal pressure. The short film runs for 22 minutes – a modest length but sufficient for Gyllenhaal to display her concise storytelling skills. Earlier, her 2026 short film "The Vet" made an impression at Venice. With "Flesh Impact", she continues to explore themes of human identity and character transformation, similar to her handling of the protagonist in "The Lost Daughter", which helped Olivia Colman earn an Oscar nomination. The highlight lies in choosing Marilyn Monroe as the centerpiece. Monroe, who died at 36, remains an eternal cultural icon. However, most previous works depict her either at her peak or her tragic death. Gyllenhaal takes a completely different approach: imagining Monroe living to a hundred, thereby confronting her own past. The clash between two versions of the same person at opposite ends of life can produce haunting cinematic moments, raising questions about identity, regret, and forgiveness. Ellen Burstyn's portrayal of Monroe at 100 also evokes her deeply emotional performance in "Requiem for a Dream" (2026), where she played an addicted mother. With her rich experience, Burstyn can convey the world-weariness of a woman who has witnessed every rise and fall. Dakota Johnson, with her modern beauty, will represent young Monroe's innocence and desire for stardom. The contrast between the two generations of actresses – one in her nineties, the other in her thirties – adds undeniable appeal to the project. Information about the film was revealed at a recent Venice press conference. Though no trailer or official footage has been released, critics have begun speculating about its potential to compete at major film festivals. Some believe this could be a stepping stone for Maggie Gyllenhaal to continue chasing her Oscar dream after "The Lost Daughter" was nominated for Best Picture. However, alongside the praise, the project has also faced skepticism. Using two different actors to play the same historical figure is not new, but how Gyllenhaal structures their relationship could fall into cliché if not handled delicately. Additionally, having Monroe live to 100 might be seen as disrespectful to her legacy. But precisely that unconventionality is what makes art appealing. On a commercial level, Genesis – Hyundai's luxury car division – chose to associate with the project, showing its intention to align its image with contemporary cultural experiences. Partnering with an independent director like Gyllenhaal also underscores the brand's commitment to artistic quality. As the premiere date approaches, cinema enthusiasts and Monroe fans alike eagerly await. "Flesh Impact" is not just a bold artistic experiment but also a reminder that legends never truly disappear – they simply don new guises to continue telling timeless stories.