11 World Premieres at 'Venice Film Festival' That Could Deliver the Sex & Nudity We’ve Been Waiting For (Patreon)

The Venice Film Festival runs from August 27 to September 9. A bunch of big Hollywood movies are premiering, but only a few look genuinely exciting—especially if you’re looking for some real heat.

I’ve put together a list of films that have the best chances of sex and nudity. Since they haven’t premiered yet, nothing is 100% confirmed, but I’ve based this list on the plot, cast, directors, writers, and even the presence of intimacy coordinators.

Let’s dive in:

1. The Wizard of the Kremlin (31 August)Starring: Alicia VikanderPlot: A young Russian filmmaker becomes an advisor to Vladimir Putin during his rise to power in post-Soviet Russia.The source novel includes sex, orgies, and wild elite parties—so expect at least some provocative scenes.

2. Ann Lee (1 September)Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Thomasin McKenzie, Stacy MartinPlot: The story of Ann Lee, the self-proclaimed female Christ and leader of the Shaker Movement.The real Shakers were anti-sex, but this film has intimacy coordinator Colleen E. Hughes on board, which hints at nudity or sexual elements. And with this cast? Definitely worth keeping an eye on.

3. Bugonia (28 August)Starring: Emma Stone, Alicia SilverstonePlot: Two conspiracy nuts kidnap a powerful CEO, believing she’s an alien out to destroy Earth.Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos—the man behind Poor Things and Kinds of Kindness, both packed with erotic scenes. There are also leaks suggesting Emma Stone is naked during an interrogation. This one has very high nudity and sex potential.

4. Duse (3 September)Starring: Noémie Merlant, Valeria Bruni TedeschiPlot: A biopic about legendary Italian actress Eleonora Duse in her final years.Duse was rumored to be bisexual, and Merlant often picks bold roles. Chances of nudity or lesbian undertones are strong.

5. The Smashing Machine (1 September)Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Emily BluntPlot: The true story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr.Rated R for language and drug use. The trailer shows a bit of intimacy, but nothing major. Emily Blunt still looks stunning, though—so worth watching for her alone.(A viewer claims the movie has no sex or nudity, which makes sense given the R rating specifics.)

6. After the Hunt (29 August)Starring: Andrew Garfield, Julia Roberts, Chloë Sevigny, Ayo EdebiriPlot: A college professor’s career unravels after a student accuses a colleague, while her own secrets bubble up.Rated R for language and sexual content. With this cast, expect a slow-burn drama with some adult tension.

7. Hand of Dante (3 September)Starring: Gerard Butler, Jason Momoa, Gal GadotPlot: A handwritten copy of The Divine Comedy moves through priests, mobsters, and writers.The source novel includes brothel scenes and sexual encounters. Early leaks suggest Gal Gadot has a nude scene, though partially covered. Definitely one to watch.

8. No Other Choice (29 August)Starring: Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jinPlot: An unemployed man eliminates job competitors as his marriage falls apart.Director Park Chan-wook (The Handmaiden, Oldboy) is no stranger to explicit sex and nudity. Expect marital drama with strong chances of erotic scenes.

9. L’Étranger (2 September)Starring: Benjamin Voisin, Rebecca MarderPlot: In 1930s Algeria, an emotionally detached man commits murder and faces trial.The source material includes sexual relationships, and director François Ozon is known for erotic, nudity-filled films.

10. Silent Friend (5 September)Starring: Luna Wedler, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Léa SeydouxPlot: Three interconnected stories across centuries, tied to a mysterious tree in a botanical garden.Director Ildikó Enyedi’s past work featured graphic sex and nudity, so this could follow suit.

11. La Grazia (27 August)Starring: Toni Servillo, Anna FerzettiPlot: A love story set in Italy.Paolo Sorrentino is directing—his films (Youth, The Great Beauty) are loaded with nudity and sensuality. Expect the same vibe here.

These are the titles most likely to bring sex, nudity, and adult themes to Venice this year. Other films might surprise us, but based on what’s out there, these are your best bets for the hottest content. Once the festival starts, we’ll know just how steamy things really get.