Summary
Dune: Part Oneis easily one of the best films on Netflix and quite possibly one of the best films of the past decade. It features an all-star cast and a compelling story reminiscent ofGame of Thronesthat immerses its audience from the opening scene. All of this contributed to the film setting a pandemic record for Warner Bros., raking in $40 million in its opening weekend. While the film only tells a small part the saga’s overall story, it’s a thrilling experience from beginning to end.
Based on
2 hours 35 minutes
RT Score
83%
Duneis one big political thriller epic with the planet Arrakis at the center of everything. That’s because Arrakis, a large planet filled with deserts as far as the eye can see, is the only source of spice in the galaxy. Spice has a few psychotropic characteristics, but its primary use is fuel that makes interstellar travel possible. That alone makes Arrakis a highly valuable planet to control. WhenEmperor Shaddam IV assigns Duke Leto Atreidesto oversee the mining operations on Arrakis, replacing Baron Harkonnen, he sets in motion a deadly plot that would bring a violent end to the rivalry between the two families.
Meanwhile, Paul Atreides, the Duke’s only son, is plagued with visions of events unfolding on Arrakis. Visions are not something men are supposed to experience in this world. That’s a gift reserved for the Kwisatz Haderach, a messianic entity meant to improve humanity. Some of his visions show him and people he knows happy, while others show him dying at the hands of people he hasn’t met yet. Arrakis is home toa group of humans known as the Fremen. They live in tribes scattered across the Arrakis landscape and survive partly because of the spice they frequently ingest.
Where the Harkonnen treated the Fremen harshly, Duke Atreides chose to befriend them, seeing it as the only way to survive on the desert planet. The Duke might not have visions like his son, but he feels that theHarkonnen are not done with Arrakis. When and if they return for the spice operation, they won’t be diplomatic with their methods. Meanwhile, Paul begins seeing aspects of his visions come to pass along with them growing increasingly intense.
Why you should watch Dune Part 1
Anyone who fell in love with the firstfew seasons ofGame of Thronesshould absolutely watchDune Part Onebefore it leaves Netflix. It’s a space opera that heavily leans into its political suspense. There are competing factions, giant sandworms, conspiracies at every turn, superb action sequences, and nobody is safe from death. What’s more intriguing is that the person audiences are rooting for might not be the hero they see him to be.
Dunehas an outstanding cast that engages the audience. It was one challenge to adapt Frank Herbert’s sci-fi masterpiece successfully, but it was another to pull in the best talent in Hollywood to do so. Timothée Chalamet is a great Paul Atreides, and his acting is only elevated by the likes of Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin,Jason Momoa, and more.
