Timothée Chalamet Is Wondrous In The Visually Stunning 'Dune'

A story steeped in conquering the fear of the unknown, Denis Villeneuve's “Dune” explores the complexity of human relationships along with the daily struggles we face surrounding love, freedom, loyalty and survival.

Simply, the film — based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi novel — reflects our daily lives so much so that its focus lies mainly in the strength of its characters dealing with an internal strife.

Watch the trailer.

Meet members of House Atreides. Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac) is a benevolent lord, and his wife is Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), a priestess who hails from a long line of women with mysterious mental powers. Timothée Chalamet plays their son, Paul Atreides, a young man born into a wealth of destiny and superpower beyond his understanding.

The swashbuckling soldier Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa) protects Paul at all cost, while the taskmaster Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin) teaches the lad weaponry and self-defense.

In the year 10191, the Emperor of the Known Universe decrees that Duke Leto will now be the supreme leader of the planet Arrakis, home to an indigenous human civilization called the Fremen and known to these natives as Dune.

What makes the planet special? It is the universe’s prime source of Spice, a rare natural resource that breathes life to human existence. Think of space travel, knowledge, commerce and even youthfulness. Humanity fights for control of this rare gem, as it makes these necessities all possible.

But to mine Spice, its seekers must first survive the inferno heat and powerful sandstorms of the desert. Then they will have to face the wrath of the massive man-eating sandworms hiding beneath the surface.

And so begins the new chapter in the lives of the Atreides. As they settle in their new abode, they will have to deal with the villainous Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard), who has been dismissed from his former post as the planet’s steward. Burning with anger, he is craftily orchestrating his bloody revenge.

The crux of the question in the movie is whether Paul is the chosen one to lead in generations to come. The young man will be tested in deeply excruciating circumstances. Along the way, he will be drawn to Chani (Zendaya), an enchanting Fremen warrior who happens to appear frequently in his dreams. Does she hold a special place in Paul’s destiny?

Chalamet is magnificent, showcasing his range as an actor as his performance grows more nuanced in the role. Momoa just simply dazzles with his agility, while Isaac and Ferguson imbue their characters with burning passion.

Does the film stay true to Herbert’s book? Yes. You can feel and see the pages coming to life.

Do you need to read the book before seeing the movie in theaters or watching it on HBO Max? No. You just need to know that this film is actually Part 1 and that Part 2 is in the works.

All in all, “Dune” is a visual feast. The colors are vibrant, and audiences will feel as if they had been transported to this intergalactic star. The Oscar-nominated Villeneuve has managed to make this film quite breathtaking, an opus to behold.

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