Dune (2021) (Review)

 


At long last, Dune is upon us. A new adaptation of Frank Herbert's mammoth novel of the same name, and the first of an intended two-part film series, Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi epic is one of the greatest tests for cinemas this year, needing to weather a continuing pandemic, an abundance of competition and a day-and-date debut on streaming service HBO Max. 

In the far future, the House of Arteides is charged to rule the desert planet Arrakis. Also known as Dune, it is the only source of the fuel 'spice', an addictive substance that can cause visions, prolongs life and enables time travel. A gifted young man, Paul Arteides, travels to help ensure the future of his family and the people. With a starry ensemble including Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa and Zendaya, Dune is one of 2021's most anticipated remaining titles.

A mightly epic whose scale and scope rivals that of the most established IPs, with clear intentions on solidifying itself amongst the science fiction greats, Dune is a meticulously built, lovingly crafted passion piece that demonstrates the benefits of world-building and patience. A unique, awe-inspiring vision of grandeur, Villeneuve's Dune: Part One is one of the most exciting films to grace our screens in some time.

Neither pandering to those with a pre-existing understanding of the story, nor overexplaining itself to those unfamiliar through excessive exposition, Villeneuve - alongside co-writers Eric Roth and Jon Spaihts - adapts Herbert's mountainous tale, providing it with the breathing space that has crippled previous attempts. Splitting the source material in half to properly commit to the characters and the unfolding story, this razor-sharp focus offers greater texture to the detailed world and politics of Dune, making it an enthralling, well-rounded and absorbing experience. As with any two-part film, the opening half is a quiet and thoughtful affair, making it all the more remarkable that Villeneuve and co engage their audience so thoroughly and completely -- even at a sizeable 152 minutes, you are swept up in each and every development, never feeling as if the picture is stalling for time or looking for something to say.

Visually majestic, and a film that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen imaginable if you are comfortable in doing so, the level of details to Dune is astonishing, presented so lusciously by Villeneuve in conjunction with his cinematographer, Greig Fraser. Sweeping yet often barren landscapes are captured in a way that suggests that the scope of the universe is limitless, as are the possibilities moving forward -- a prospect that excites more and more with every passing minute as new layers are revealed. Villeneuve treats the striking action set pieces with as much importance as he does the quieter character-driven moments and the film benefits from this equal-footed, methodical approach. Alongside impeccable sound design and Hans Zimmer's epic, often ominous soundtrack which beautifully signposts the narrative and evokes such dreaded intensity, every technical element is mastered by some of the very best in the filmmaking industry, who all come together in perfect harmony to showcase the talent and splendour working on Dune.

An ensemble packed to the rafters with talent, Dune has assembled perhaps the strongest cast of the year. Timothee Chalamet proves his now uncontestable ability to lead a big-budget production after dominating the indie film circuit for years. A subtle and sensitive performance, one that is both vulnerable and commanding in a way only young Chalamet could achieve amongst his contemporaries, his Paul Arteides carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and Chalamet conveys that with understated but emotionally powerful body language and facial expressions. Clearly the work of an actor with an understanding of his craft well beyond his years and experience, Chalamet adds another fantastic performance to his repertoire.

Rebecca Ferguson is a major standout of the stacked cast, offering a layered performance of a woman attempting to balance sisterhood and motherhood. Oscar Isaac's presence is a brilliantly commanding one, while Jason Momoa delivers a surprisingly terrific turn as commanding as it is warm. And while perhaps the most unknown member of the principal cast, Sharon Duncan-Brewster is a strong addition to the cast, with her gender-swapped Liet-Kynes rendered with depth and interest. There are very few weak links across the entire chain really, with each actor fully immersing themselves in the role and grounding it in the face of such formidable scale. Zendaya and Javier Bardem, in particular, are promising key ingredients moving forward.

While Denis Villeneuve's Dune is a contemplative and somewhat sombre tone poem, it is also a euphoric cinematic experience -- one built to overwhelm the senses, and does so with such attention to craft, illustrating the immense possibilities of smart science-fiction in the process. Taking time, care and energy to build the foundations of a universe so that future instalments can truly thrive with greater ease, Dune's long-term prospects are at the forefront of the picture, all while thoroughly absorbing you in the meantime. Thanks to Timothee Chalamet's exemplary lead performance, the power of the supporting cast and a craft team all operating on top form, all helmed with the enormous vision from Villeneuve, Dune is a masterful achievement and the now confirmed Part Two cannot come soon enough. This is just the beginning.