Off the top – there are *no spoilers* in this review.
The ‘Dune’ (2021) feature film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 science-fiction novel has been reimagined by Canadian director Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049, Sicaro, Enemy) starring Timothée Chalamet (Little Women, Lady Bird, Call Me By Your Name), Rebecca Ferguson (Mission Impossible 5 & Fallout, Doctor Sleep, Life), Zendaya (Spiderman: Far From Home & Homecoming, Malcolm & Marie, The Greatest Showman) and features Jason Mamoa (Aquaman, The Bad Batch, Justice League), Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy, Blade Runner 2049, Avengers: Infinity War) and Oscar Isaac (Star Wars VIII, A Most Violent Year, Ex Machina).
Storywise, ‘Dune’ (2021) follows heir to the throne Paul Atreides (Chalamet) whose bloodline governs Arrakis, the most important planet in the known universe. His father Duke Leto Atreides (Isaac) currently rules the desert planet mining ‘spice’ – a drug that gives its users superhuman powers – making it the target of violent battles via political treachery.
Assisted by the Fremen people, a population living upon Arrakis, who are coerced into assisting House Atreides navigate the dangerous world including from gargantuan, merciless sandworms, Paul, sheltered and trained within a life of privilege, now faces an uncertain future where he must prepare himself for leadership and battle.
Delayed by Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures, ‘Dune’ (2021) has definitely been worth the wait and is a must see science-fiction adventure film in 2021.
A special Dune: Part One (2021) and Dune: Part Two tandem screening took place entitled The Vision of Dune: A Conversation with Denis Villeneuve featuring introductions of the films followed by a closing Q&A with Denis Villeneuve moderated by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey at Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto, Canada during TIFF’24 (September 5th – 15th, 2024).