Incredible production. Pathetic storytelling. Without three-dimensional characters or relationships, this movie gives us nothing - or no one - in which to invest (certainly not for more films set in this universe).

What is Dune about?

Paul Atreides must travel to the most dangerous planet in the galaxy to fulfil his destiny and save his people, even as political rivals and malevolent natural forces threaten everything he knows.

Where can you watch Dune?

It’s available in cinemas and on DVD. South Africans, you can buy it on Takealot.

Trigger Warnings:

Violence and some graphic images. Sexual innuendos.

My review of Dune

There were the overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics (I still haven’t seen a negative one). There’s the fact that Villeneuve is a great director (Arrival is my all-time favourite film). There’s also the cast (an incredibly impressive ensemble).

For those reasons above, I was excited to watch Dune (despite never having read the book by Frank Herbert) and enough to make me decide to watch it on opening weekend in the cinema.

Unfortunately, Dune was a colossal disappointment.

Timothée Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson in Dune | from IMDB.com

The acting is mediocre, but I blame the script and not the cast. These are great actors - they just deserved three-dimensional characters. As for Zendaya (despite appearing in practically every press interview and marketing asset surrounding the film), she’s completely forgettable in the few minutes she’s actually on screen.

The pacing is inconsistent. The scenes are episodic. The last quarter of the movie is rushed, while the rest is comprised of dull scenes that are only there to nudge the plot forward. As for the dialogue, it’s a bunch of contrived, melodramatic conversations and monologues that don’t really say anything and never reveal character.

Where’s the character development? Where are the dynamic relationships? Dune is a sight to behold, but there’s no depth to its heroes and heroines. Paul and Lady Jessica go on this life-altering journey, but the script skips every single emotional beat. The characters never get a moment to just sit in their emotions and internal struggles - which is ironic, considering how slow the movie initially is.

If there is internal conflict in this movie (and I’m not convinced there is, despite Villeneuve’s intentions) the script barely allows it screen time.

Ferguson’s Lady Jessica is easily the most compelling character (because she has some degree of backstory). However, even she gets zero development, her backstory is only hinted at, and her relationships with her son and her husband are one-dimensional for the entirety of the film.

Exhibit A: Considering what she hid from Paul, I expected some real friction there and development in their dynamic. Instead, he has one outburst towards her while they’re holed up in a tent and that outburst doesn’t change anything between them.

Timothée Chalamet in Dune | from IMDB.com

Dune does have a few redeeming qualities. Although Chalamet’s performance could be perceived as wooden, I think the subtlety of his body language and the emotional depth behind his dialogue and facial expressions are what makes him one of the best young actors today. His performance is understated, yet captivating.

Villeneuve’s direction is also excellent. Every element of the mise en scène - from the lighting and cinematography to the ambitious world-building - is breathtaking. Dune is 100% a grand, yet thoughtful spectacle - immersive and epic. As for Hans Zimmer’s score, it elevates every scene. It’s a highlight for me, and he deserves an Oscar.

The script also does a great job of avoiding exposition.

Have you seen Dune? What did you think of it?

Dune (2021)

The Harder They Fall (2021)

The Guilty (2021)