Dune [2021]

A visual masterpiece, Dune over promises and under delivers especially for the viewers that haven’t read the books, myself included.

First, I must iterate that I’ve never read the books or saw the original movie. I had grand expectations from Denis Villeneuve’s Dune based on the multiple trailers, artwork and promo videos released.

However, I can’t say I was disappointed, but Dune obviously struggles with its source material. But those issues are overshadowed by the scope and ambition of this visually thrilling masterpiece. In case you didn’t know (I certainly didn’t), the movie is an adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel, about the son of a noble family (Timothée Chalamet) entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy.

The movie hosts a stellar cast lead my Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson, including Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Stellan Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem and a lot more.

With this movie, Villeneuve delivers a better Star Wars than Star Wars. You can clearly see the similarities in the story, but this adaptation just demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible. It even questions whether there exists a screen large enough to do justice to this Lawrence of Arabia meets Apocalypse Now space opera.

The world-building here is exquisite. And it’s the humans, especially in the quieter moments, who make this truly a triumph. However, it is very uncommon, even surprising, to end the movie this way without any gratification. It’s not a cliffhanger per-se. I was honestly surprised and disappointed at the same time. I wanted to see what’s next! Denis Villeneuve’s Dune is one half of one movie!

Should you watch it?

I cannot stress enough about what a gorgeous, artistic film Villeneuve has crafted. However, it is both frustrating and incomplete especially after spending two and half hours of world building. It’s an epic that celebrates grandeur for its own sake while forgetting that viewers demand closures.

Where can I watch it?

Dune is now playing in theaters.