Dune (2021 film)

Dune, also known as Dune: Part One, is a 2021 American epic science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve. It is the first of a two-part adaptation of the 1965 novel of the same name by Frank Herbert, primarily covering the first half of the book.

The film stars Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, alongside Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, Chang Chen, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem in supporting roles. Dune follows the journey of Paul Atreides as his noble family, House Atreides, is entrusted with the stewardship of the desert planet Arrakis, also known as Dune. Arrakis is the only source of "spice," a valuable substance that extends life, enhances mental abilities, and makes interstellar travel possible.

The film explores themes of politics, religion, ecology, and the dangers of unchecked power. The narrative focuses on the power struggles between noble houses, the ecological challenges of Arrakis, and the indigenous Fremen people who inhabit the planet. Paul Atreides grapples with his destiny, his growing prescience, and the burden of leadership amidst a complex web of betrayal and conflict.

Dune premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2021, and was released in theaters and on HBO Max in the United States on October 22, 2021. It received critical acclaim for its visual spectacle, Hans Zimmer's musical score, and fidelity to the source material, though some critics noted its abrupt ending due to it being the first part of a two-part adaptation. The film was a box office success and won six Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, and Best Original Score. A sequel, Dune: Part Two, was released in 2024.