If you’ve read Frank Herbert’s Dune series, you’ll know what to come from Denis Villeneuve’s CGI-heavy magnum opus.

If you’re unfamiliar with the universe, imagine Star Wars on a more mystical and deeply philosophical scale. Dune is a narrative of complicated power struggles, greed, love, and loss set against the backdrop of the desert planet Arrakis.

Timothée Chalamet plays the film’s poster boy, Paul Atreides, the heir to Family Atreides, which has a rival house on the same planet, House Harkonnens.

Dune has dozen-odd characters, each having something to add or take away from Arrakis and the survival of its citizens. At the centre of Paul’s journey is his need to protect and nurture not just his family but humanity as a whole. Like most sci-fi fantasy films, Dune too is at its heart a tale of war between two clans and a battle for survival.

Dune is definitely a visual spectacle. There is no denying the sheer power of its imagery and CGI effects that set the tone for what’s to follow in the coming films. Villeneuve also makes a conscious effort to steer away from any comparisons or a feeling of familiarity from Star Wars or Star Trek or any other intergalactic franchise the audience might have seen before.

The frames in Dune are set in hues of grey and black, often exploding with the bright yellows of the sand dunes and rustic terrains. The emphasis on camera work is so brutal that every frame and shot feels like it was made to impress.

To support the visuals, one needs a brilliant cast and Dune has that and more. Timothée Chalamet draws you in with his childlike innocence, yet surprises you in moments where he shows his almost Yoda-like demeanour. His scenes with Jason Momoa are some of the major highlights of Dune. The fight and battle sequences are stunning, and the background score only enhances your sensory experience, taking it to another level.

But Dune also has its flaws. The almost 3-hour runtime is taxing and weary. The action scenes take a while and Villeneuve spends a lot of time indulging in visual tapestry. There are moments when you feel like you are watching an expensive futuristic travel ad.

Despite the star-studded cast, a lot of big names like Zendaya and Josh Brolin feel underutilised. You do need a lot of patience to stay invested in Dune’s zigzag storyline and long-drawn storytelling.

Dune is definitely a treat for the eyes and if the sci-fi fantasy genre is your scene then this intergalactic adventure won’t disappoint.

Image Credit: Getty

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