Undoubtedly the most anticipated release of 2021, Dune is an astounding sci-fi spectacle from director Denis Villeneuve (Arrival, Blade Runner 2049). Told with all the visual richness and colossal scope of the genre’s finest epics, it follows the mysteriously gifted Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), heir to the ocean planet Caladan. When his parents Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) are assigned stewardship of the harsh desert planet Arrakis, the political manoeuvre places the family in direct competition with its brutal former owners. As conflict erupts over the planet, and its plentiful stores of a substance known only as “spice”, Paul is thrust into a swirling interplanetary battle that he seems almost predestined to lead. Following him all the way are dream-like visions of a young woman (Zendaya) who might offer the key to his dynasty’s survival – or its certain doom.

Villeneuve has achieved what was previously thought to be impossible in adapting Frank Herbert’s notoriously “unfilmable” sci-fi novel. Suitably majestic, his take on the classic space opera learns crucial lessons from David Lynch and Alejandro Jodorowsky’s previous efforts to dazzling effect. With a score from noted Frank Herbert superfan Hans Zimmer and a supporting cast that includes Javier Bardem, Charlotte Rampling, Stellan Skarsgård and Jason Mamoa, Dune feels like a fully-realised, decidedly adult creation. Balancing all the complexity of its source material with slick action-adventure energy, Villeneuve has crafted the beginnings of a new cinematic franchise for the ages. And that includes the much-talked-about sandworms. We suggest you keep your ears open for a suitably witchy Marianne Faithfull voice cameo.

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