Ahead of the wide release of the Marilyn Monroe biopic Blonde on Netflix, its cast and crew continue to promise a stunning performance from lead star Ana de Armas. Written and directed by Andrew Dominik, Blonde is adapted from the original book by Joyce Carol Oates. Rated NC-17, the film will be coming to limited theaters on Sept. 16 before streaming on Netflix on Sept. 28. It recently screened at the Venice International Film Festival where it was met with a 14-minute standing ovation.

Blonde also features Adrien Brody in a key role as playwright Arthur Miller, Monroe's third husband. Speaking with Variety ahead of the film's release, Brody had some glowing things to say about his co-star. According to Brody, Armas had been so convincing with her portrayal of Monroe that it was like stepping into a time machine and traveling straight back into that era. As Brody explains, that was apparent from their very first day on set.

"I was transported to another time and place. I really thought she channeled [Marilyn] — she brought a nuanced, emotionally present [and] connected impression of her. I’m still blown away by it. It was really impressive.”

Brody also teased that even big fans of Monroe may have a better understanding of the late Hollywood legend after watching Blonde.

“I think the beauty of the film is that it shares an aspect of [Marilyn’s] life that is probably not as clearly defined in most people’s hearts and minds. If you’re really a fan, you’d probably want to understand a bit more about her life and her realities, and what she struggled with to deliver all that amazing work and represent the image that everyone is going to love.”

Related: These Are Adrien Brody's Best Performances, Ranked

Ana de Armas Is the Perfect Choice for Marilyn Monroe, Co-Stars Say

Ana de Armas in Blonde
Netflix

Actor Evan Williams, who also appears in Blonde as late actor Edward G. Robinson Jr., said that Ana de Armas is perfect as Marilyn Monroe. As far as Williams sees it, the casting goes further than the impressive acting Armas delivers in the role. Williams also says Armas was able to bring some authenticity to playing Monroe as they both the same understanding of the public.

“There [wasn’t] a better choice to play Marilyn because art imitates life. [Ana] knows so much about the way the public wants a piece of her, so she was able to speak to that, and she does it with flying colors.”

There had been some criticism over Armas' casting when it was first revealed, as some people on social media opined that a Cuban actress should not play the Hollywood legend. However, those involved stood by her casting, including producer Brad Pitt referring to the performance as "phenomenal." The Marilyn Monroe Estate also defended the casting in a statement, making it clear they were happy with Armas in the movie.

Blonde will release for streaming on Netflix on Sept. 28, 2022, after first screening in limited theaters starting on Sept. 16.