Dune (2021) Review: "Fear is the mind-killer"

 

{Non-spoiler Review}

A story once thought unfilmable has just found its way towards ten Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Dune is based off the book of the same name written by Frank Herbert in 1965 featuring the story of a young royal Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet) coming to age alongside multiple destinies. Paul must struggle to find himself on the planet Arrakis, whose spice production makes it the most important world in their system. Paul’s father, Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Issac of Star Wars, Ex Machina and now Moon Knight fame) has been given control of the planet by the Emperor of the Known Universe to help harvest the spice.

There are plenty of side characters to go around in Dune, as expected with its ensemble cast. Paul’s supporting cast is what makes up for Chalamet’s stoic yet sometimes dull performance. His mother, Lady Jessica played by Rebecca Ferguson steals the spotlight amongst them. Her guidance as a member of the religious Bene Gesserit and her struggle determining what is best for Paul speaks for itself. She receives the most screen time of the supporting cast and uses it just as effectively as her role in Doctor Sleep (2019). Jason Momoa as master swordsman and Paul’s best friend Duncan Idaho helps by bringing forth his physical presence and charming wit. Josh Brolin steps in to play mentor Gurney Halleck, using his natural chemistry with other actors to warm up the audience. Batista and Stellan Skarsgård play scheming villains who although physically foreboding, use strategy to their advantage. Even with Zendaya and Javier Bardem’s Fremen characters receiving little screen time, their sole scene propels the story forward and sets the tone of what is to come.

Dune’s visuals are what makes the film truly breathtaking. Director Denis Villeneuve’s previous title Blade Runner 2049 (2017) was full of neon lights, smokey green hues, and foggy blues. In Dune the tones of Arrakis are the complete opposite but gets just as much praise. The deserts of Abu Dhabi and Jordan are captured as never-ending during Paul and Lady Jessica’s’ travels. In contrast Paul’s home planet of Caladen which was shot in Norway gives viewers their only glimpse into the traditional colors of nature. Indoors and outdoors, every shot is perfectly executed with purpose.

Sadly, for those who become engrossed in the epic, the movie does not go on for another two and a half hours to a logical finish. Not to worry, as Legendary has already greenlit Dune: Part II to be released in 2023, even though leaving the theatre just as the story seems to gain momentum is disappointing. Villeneuve has left out some exciting new characters sure to make a splash in the second installment, and with Paul and Chani now set to definitively guide the narrative we will be treated to a gripping conclusion that fans old and new will be waiting for. Two years can not go by soon enough.

★★★★

83/100