Dakota Johnson transforms into Marilyn Monroe for Venice-bound short film

Dakota Johnson embodies the iconic Marilyn Monroe in Maggie Gyllenhaal's upcoming short film, "Flesh Impact." The first images released by Vanity Fair reveal a striking transformation, with Johnson appearing almost unrecognizable as the Hollywood legend. The film, which will premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September, coincides with the 100th anniversary of Monroe's birth.

Veteran actress Ellen Burstyn, 93, also features in the film, portraying an imagined, lesser-known version of Marilyn Monroe. Gyllenhaal, who directed and wrote the 17-minute film, stated that she envisioned Johnson in the lead role from the outset, despite initial concerns about their physical resemblance. "I'm not sure anyone today really knows what Marilyn looked like," Gyllenhaal told Vanity Fair. "She became a commercial product and a myth, so her image is quite unclear even to me."

The film's official description, presented at the Venice Film Festival, outlines a narrative where "a mysterious older woman auditions for a play in a small experimental theater in New York. As she speaks about her qualifications and acting experience, secrets about her identity and delusions about her life gradually come to light."

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I'm not sure anyone today really knows what Marilyn looked like. She became a commercial product and a myth, so her image is quite unclear even to me.

Gyllenhaal described "Flesh Impact" as a "combination of Marilyn and her fantasy of her." She emphasized that the film extends beyond a mere portrayal of Monroe, delving into the broader experience of being an actor. "This is in many ways a film about Marilyn, but also about actresses in general. It speaks to what it means to do this unusual, extremely vulnerable, yet very powerful job," she said.

Johnson's transformation reportedly involved costumes, a short blonde wig, and Monroe's signature beauty mark. The film also features Gyllenhaal's husband, Peter Sarsgaard, and Sepideh Moafi. "Flesh Impact" is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September 2026.

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This is in many ways a film about Marilyn, but also about actresses in general. It speaks to what it means to do this unusual, extremely vulnerable, yet very powerful job.