Dune is a sci-fi drama epic directed by Denis Villeneuve, one of the most talented filmmakers of our generation and the mind behind films like Arrival, Prisoners, and Blade Runner 2049. Based on the enormously influential novel of the same name by Frank Herbert, the movie follows Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet), a young royal inheritor who embarks on a mystifying journey to the desert planet Arrakis. With an all-star cast that includes the likes of Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, and too many more to name, the film is dense with politics, intrigue, and mystery.
Considered for decades to be “unfilmable” due to its dense source material, Dune is easily one of the most anticipated films of 2021 and an ambitious experiment in adaptation. Does Denis Villeneuve manage to capture the massive scope of Herbert’s original novel while remaining entertaining, or is this a boring and sluggish blunder? Let’s see if this modern tale of Paul Atreides and the desert planet of Arrakis is worth checking out!
Dune (2021) Review
First and foremost, audiences should go into Dune with one important expectation – that this is not a completed story. The opening title card firmly states that this is “Part One” of the story, with subsequent films that will detail the climax and conclusion of the narrative. Unlike other multi-part epics such as Lord of the Rings or the Harry Potter franchise, Dune is a movie that lacks a self-contained plot, and by proxy, has no ultimate feeling of closure. This is mostly due to the incredible scope of the narrative, which is easily described as “Game of Thrones set in space”. Despite the film’s slow pace and absence of rising action, Dune stands strong as a film that only a visionary like Denis Villeneuve could create.
The movie plays out from the perspective of Paul Atreides, the sole heir to the noble House of Atreides, rulers of the water-covered planet Caladan. At the order of the galactic Emperor, Paul, along with his father Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac) and mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), are sent to the desert planet of Arrakis. Barren and brutal, Arrakis is the sole planet in the galaxy that holds “spice”, a magical compound that offers incredible medical applications, but more importantly, allows for interstellar travel.
While growing accustomed to their new home planet, House Atreides must contend with the native people known as the Fremen, as well as the previous rulers of Arrakis, the menacing House Harkonnen, led by the revolting Baron Vladimir (Stellan Skarsgard). All the while, Paul experiences vivid dreams, with a young Fremen girl named Chani (Zendaya) at the forefront. Unfortunately, all is not what it seems on Arrakis, and Paul will have to step up to save House Atreides, fulfilling his destiny as a prophet of the future.
Make no mistake about it, Dune is a dense film with tons of dialogue and a lot of information to remember. However, key characters and events are introduced in continuously intriguing ways, always keeping your eyes glued to the screen. Denis Villeneuve once again demonstrates his visual talent, with almost every single shot of the film offering tremendous otherworldly sights. The sense of scope is awe-inspiring, the action is stylish and captivating, and the film never feels self-indulgent. Even the slower scenes are gripping, mostly due to stellar performances from every single member of the cast.
Unfortunately, due to time constraints, many characters only appear in a handful of scenes, so some fans might be disappointed by their limited screen time. Luckily, Dune completely immerses the viewer in its world, grasping your attention and never letting go.
Our Verdict on Dune (2021)
Dune is an impressively ambitious film, there’s no question about it. As one of the most influential science-fiction stories ever created, it’s easy to see where gigantic brands like Star Wars and The Matrix got their inspiration. Time and time again, Denis Villeneuve impresses with gorgeous visuals, impeccable landscape shots, and moody lighting. Every actor brings their A-game, resulting in a film with one of the most stacked casts in recent memory. Even with a runtime of two hours and thirty minutes, Dune feels like it should be longer, as many characters and story elements are sidelined in favor of the core plot.
Overall, if you’re a fan of science fiction, grandiose stories, or Denis Villeneuve’s previous films, you should definitely check out Dune. It’s undeniably the best adaptation of Frank Herbert’s iconic novel, distilling the content down in a digestible way while maintaining a breathtaking style that will please most movie-goers.
The only major downside is the film’s abrupt ending, with no climactic third act to speak of. If you go into Dune expecting a complete story with a conclusive ending, you’ll probably feel betrayed. However, if you have any interest in sci-fi that features compelling characters, rich world-building, and award-worthy performances, give Dune a watch. We can only hope that Dune Part 2 hits cinemas soon, as we can’t wait to see the conclusion of Paul Atreides’ journey.
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