BY KYLE LESNAK

Dune, a film adaptation of the book with the same name, directed by Denis Villeneuve, has finally been released after a long 3 years of production and has been met with critical acclaim. This film has been split into two parts due to the sheer scope of the original novel by Frank Herbert. It was released in theaters and HBO Max on Oct 22, 2021.

Paul Atreides, son of Leto Atreides and Lady Jessica, is raised on the ocean planet Caladan where his family rules. His mother was told to have a daughter by the Bene Gesserit, a group of only women that can use the “Voice,” a technique that allows them to command others through their voice. Instead, Paul was born, and even when Jessica was told not to, she taught him how to use the “Voice.” Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, the ruler of House Harkonnen, asks Leto Atreides to take control of one of the most dangerous planets, Arrakis, a harsh desert planet, being the only place the multipurpose drug called spice can be found. Without spice, space travel becomes impossible. The drug is also responsible for the blue eyes of the inhabitants, the Fremen. Before leaving for the planet, Paul is put through a test by Bene Gesserit after being told that he’s been having visions lately like seeing his friend, Duncan, dead and a Fremen girl he’s never met. With the knowledge he’s learned, Paul must overcome the new challenges that arise on this new planet as his destiny is slowly revealed to him.

This movie surprised me with how interesting and expansive the world felt. Every location has its own feel that drew me in. Even comparing it to other sci-fi films, it does a great job at expanding the world it’s trying to create. The actors they picked were all great; none of them felt out of place or off, whether it was Jason Momoa as Duncan or Oscar Isaac as Paul’s father. At times, though, the movie left me very confused, mainly at the beginning. It starts to introduce so many things at once without actually explaining what they are. It took me out of the story, as I tried to understand everything the movie was throwing out.

Opinions have been pretty split about the movie being divided into two parts, but I think it was pretty vital. Movie adaptations of books can sometimes feel like they rush through the story. It ruins the pacing and the experience as a whole, but I’m happy to say Dune doesn’t do that. It takes its time, never feeling like some things are getting skipped over or forgotten. It’s clear to see the passion for the original book and the world it created. I’m excited for the future of this franchise and how Villeneuve and his team will expand on this massive world.