Released: 21st October 2021 (UK
Length: 156 Minutes
Certificate: 12A
Director Denis Villneuve
Starring: Timothy Chalment, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista and Stellan Skarsgård
Few creators in modern cinema are as accomplished as Denis Villneuve. After knocking it out of the park with Blade Runner: 2049, he was the perfect choice for another big name adaptation. As one of the first science fiction classics, Dune has been adapted before, but never to a successful degree. The 2021 version is a powerhouse that delivers everything its predecessors couldn’t.
Just like Frank Herbert’s novel, Dune takes place in a galaxy ruled by competing great houses. House Atreides, at the behest of the emperor, is ordered to the planet Arrakis to take over spice mining from the rival Harkonnens. Paul Atreides (Timothy Chalment) journeys with his father, the Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac), only to witness a catastrophic attack that leaves them all scattered. Paul must make his way across the planet and rally the survivors to strike back. Once the film kicks into high gear, you’ll be riveted by the set pieces; things don’t go well for House Atreides and the sense of devastation is palpable. A tone of evasion and survival takes over as Paul and his mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) attempt to reach safety, dodging dangers both native and alien along the way. For the most part Dune delivers a rousing epic, though initially it features a fair amount of exposition and world-building. It’s very abstract, tying in closely with Herbert’s original work and the opening may leave audiences scratching their heads. As an adaptation it ends at just the right moment, leaving you desperate for more without leaving a dissatisfying cliff-hanger. Many contemporaries have fallen into this trap before and the way Dune steps around this problem is highly commendable.
A large and talented cast fills the screen but at its core, Dune keeps the focus squarely on the lead protagonists. Paul is left with nothing on this desert world, being forced to improvise and use every tool at his disposal. Chalment’s shift between stress and quiet confidence is accomplished well; this is what makes the audience root for him and Jessica to survive, the task of overcoming the greatest odds. What’s so impressive about the characterisation is how it makes the most of every A-lister; many releases struggle to give every character enough weight. Here, everyone is fully integrated into the story, even if they don’t receive a ton of screen time. Stellan Skarsgård’s shorter turn as the Baron Harkonnon is both menacing and memorable, as is his nephew Rabban (Dave Bautista). Jason Momoa’s role as Duncan is also brief, but you can tell the captain shares a close camaraderie with Paul. On the other hand, Chani (Zendaya) mostly appears in Paul’s dreams, a means to further the sense of mystery across the planet. A lot of material is being kept back for the second part, but this is one case where it doesn’t hurt the film at all. Because everything is so well focused and balanced, the motivations of the characters still land with the right impact.
Science fiction is well known for featuring stunning landscapes and futuristic sights. What we get in Dune is easily the best looking film you’ll see all year. Every single shot possesses a singular, earth-shattering power; a splendid display of the director’s talents paired up with cinematographer Greig Fraser. The unbelievable scale, the way the effects blend so seamlessly with the desert, the detailed costume-work standing out from the environment, all of it is incredible to watch. The audio is equally superb; your ears will be rocked by the soundtrack as it matches every sequence of gargantuan destruction. It’s a constant howl across the endless sands, something only matched by the thunderous movements of the giant worms. In terms of cinematic immersion, Villneuve’s film is utterly unparalleled; an adventure that demands the full cinematic experience. Viewing it on HBO Max is a poor substitute.
The new and improved Dune is peak sci-fi escapism. It’s the kind of film that leaves you shaking after watching it, that rare release where you’re completely absorbed in the entire thing. Apart from some cryptic dialogue that scrambles to build the setting, it’s essential viewing, standing head and shoulders above its peers. Do yourself a favour and see it on the biggest screen possible.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars (Brilliant)
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