A « masterpiece » film based on a seminal sci-fi novel is hailed by fans as « a work of art ». Dune (2021) is set in the far future, in a time of rival clans ruling planets across our universe. The first of a two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel of the same name, it tells the story of young nobleman Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his family, who have been ordered by the Emperor to govern the desert planet Arrakis, taking control from the rival House Harkonnen.
Arrakis is rich in Spice, a highly-prized, mind-altering and life-extending drug, but its allure has helped turn the planet into the most dangerous in the empire. Paul arrives on the planet to discover the mission his family has been given is not what it seems. Dune features an all-star cast, with Chalamet joined by Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, Chang Chen, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem.
The film was directed by Denis Villeneuve known for modern classics like Sicario (2015) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017).
The sequel, Dune: Part Two followed in 2024, and a third film based on the second novel in the series, Dune Messiah, is planned as the third and final installment in a trilogy by the Canadian director.
A Reddit user posted a photo of the novel on the r/dune subreddit calling it « the greatest book of all time ». Herbert’s opus is also frequently hailed as greatest science fiction novel ever.
Another fan of the sci-fi epic writing on r/book called it « the best book I’ve ever read », adding: « I’m not sure if it was the engrossing world building, the incredibly poignant quotes, or mysticism of un/relatable characters, but damn did I love this book.
« I started reading it because of a post I saw on this subreddit and couldn’t put it down. I wasn’t planning on reading the whole series, but now I think I have to! »
Fans have heaped praise upon the first film on IMDb, with one calling it: « A work of art, the cinematography, the music the designs all beautiful.
« Two and a half hours that passed like nothing and makes you crave for more. The pacing may seem a bit slow at first, but it blends perfectly into the telling of the story.
« The characters are well writen and played and even some minor inconsistencies within these characters is overshadowed by the pure beauty of the cinematography and the impressive storytelling. Great Movie. »
Another called it a « visually stunning masterpiece », writing: « To me this movie really is 10/10 and i’m not afraid to say it. Easily my favorite movie of 2021. There’s no competition even. Visually stunning, Action was good, well directed. Acting was very believable.
« I haven’t read the book and i really liked the movie. Made me curious to learn more about characters and world, but it was very solid first chapter in my opinion.
« I’m pretty sure others who haven’t read the book can get hooked as well, because even if you don’t know anything about it, who doesn’t like epic looking spaceships and giant sandworms? »
A third said: « Visually beautiful, narratively well constructed, good interpretations by the actors and actresses, and a new sci-fi world ready to be explored and expanded in a second movie.
« Excellent movie. That is all I have to say. Well done to all the cast, director, writers and team behind this treasure. »
The film has a 12 certificate and contains moderate violence, threat, and bloody images.
Dune is available to rent or buy on various platforms, including Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Sky Store.
