A film that not only captivated audiences but also gave birth to a sprawling new cinematic franchise, Dune (2021) has now made its way to Netflix, offering a fresh chance to experience a richly complex universe that continues to expand. What started as an adaptation of a classic science fiction novel has turned into a modern epic that’s far from over.
The Origins of a Modern Epic
Based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel Dune, this film marks the latest attempt to bring the beloved story to the big screen. Herbert’s work, one of the most iconic sci-fi sagas, had already been adapted in 1984 by David Lynch, but the result was far from universally praised. Enter director Denis Villeneuve, who aimed to stay as true as possible to the original narrative. He divided the story into two films to better capture the depth of Herbert’s world, and Villeneuve has even expressed interest in tackling a third film based on Dune Messiah, the second book in the series.
The 2021 version of Dune boasts a star-studded cast, including Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, and Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides. Zendaya portrays Chani, while Javier Bardem plays Stilgar and Stellan SkarsgÃ¥rd takes on the role of the villainous Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. One notable change made by Villeneuve was casting Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Liet Kynes, a male character in the novel, to bring more female representation to the story. This decision reflects the director’s desire to enrich the narrative while maintaining its core themes.
Set in the year 10191 of the Imperial Calendar, the film follows the noble House Atreides, which is granted control over the desert planet Arrakis, also known as “Dune.” Arrakis is the only source of Spice, a valuable substance that extends life, grants immunity to poisons, enhances mental abilities, and enables interstellar travel. As the Atreides family falls victim to betrayal, Paul and Jessica join the Fremen, the native people of Arrakis, who believe Paul is their prophesied messiah destined to liberate them from oppression.
A Beloved Universe in Full Expansion
The world premiere of Dune at the 2021 Venice Film Festival was met with an extraordinary 7-minute standing ovation, a testament to the film’s impact. It was soon nominated for three Golden Globes and went on to win six Oscars in 2022, including Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score by Hans Zimmer. The film’s visual grandeur has been universally praised, with some critics noting that its scope and ambition more than make up for its occasional pacing issues and abrupt ending. Rotten Tomatoes reflects this sentiment, with an 83% approval rating from critics, stating: “While Dune sometimes struggles with the weight of its source material, its visual brilliance and ambition more than compensate.”
In theaters, Dune grossed over $400 million on a $165 million budget (excluding marketing costs), proving to Legendary Pictures that this universe could be a lucrative long-term venture. This success laid the foundation for a series of spin-offs, including a prequel TV series, Dune: Prophecy, which recently premiered on Max (formerly HBO). This series delves into the history and creation of the Bene Gesserit order, to which Lady Jessica belongs.
Far more than just a cinematic adaptation, Dune has become an immersive experience into a complex universe, brought to life by stunning direction, a talented cast, and an unforgettable score. With its arrival on Netflix, the film offers another opportunity to explore this sci-fi masterpiece and immerse yourself in a saga that’s expanding across various mediums.
