CLICK HERE for more details about the Contenders series.
CLICK HERE to see a list of other films in the 2025 Contenders series.
Dead Man’s Wire was added to this list based on the following criteria: Pre-Release Buzz
Type of Contender: Wide
Contender Factor: 68.25 out of 100 (Stage 5 of 5 complete)
Stage 1 – Pedigree
Director: Gus Van Sant
Writers: Austin Kolodney
Stars: Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo, Myha’la, Cary Elwes, John Robinson, Al Pacino
Techs: Saar Klein (Ed); Arnaud Potier (Ci); Danny Elfman (Mu)
Distributor: Row K
Prior Recognition:
4+ Oscar Nominees: Pacino (9:1 – 1972-2019), Elfman (4:0 – 1997-2008)
Other Oscar Nominees: Van Sant (2:0 – 1997-2008), Domingo (2:0 – 2023-2024), Klein (2:0 – 1998-2000)
Rating: 1.4 out of 10
Stage 2 – Content
Genre: Crime, Drama
Length: 1h 45m
MPAA Rating: R
Rating: 13.75 out of 15
Stage 3 – Release
Festival: Venice (25)
Release Date: Jan. 9, 2026
Rating: 5 out of 10
Stage 5 – Audience
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 77%
CinemaScore: TBD
IMDb Rating: 7
Box Office Tally: $154,100
Box Office Status: Closed
Rating: 8.35 out of 15
