Denis Villeneuve’s Dune (2021) is a visually stunning adaptation of Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking 1965 science fiction novel. It’s the first part of a two-film saga and focuses on politics, prophecy, betrayal, and destiny across the desert planet of Arrakis.
The film begins with Chani (Zendaya) narrating about the oppression of her people, the Fremen, at the hands of House Harkonnen. We learn about the spice melange, the most valuable substance in the universe, crucial for space travel and longevity. The Emperor has ordered House Atreides to take control of Arrakis, replacing the brutal Harkonnens. While it looks like an honor, it is actually a trap.
Paul’s Training and Visions
Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), the son of Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), is haunted by dreams of Arrakis and a mysterious Fremen girl (Chani). He’s trained in combat and strategy but also inherits the Bene Gesserit powers of his mother, allowing him to use the “Voice” to command others. His visions suggest he may have a greater destiny tied to the Fremen and the planet itself.
Arrival on Arrakis
House Atreides arrives on Arrakis and is welcomed by Stilgar (Javier Bardem), a leader of the Fremen. Duke Leto attempts to build peace with the Fremen, unlike the Harkonnens, who treated them as slaves. Yet, dangers loom everywhere—assassins, political schemes, and the massive sandworms that roam the desert.
The Betrayal
Dr. Yueh, the Atreides family physician, betrays them under Harkonnen pressure. He disables the shield defenses of Arrakeen, allowing Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) and his nephew Beast Rabban (Dave Bautista) to launch a devastating attack with Sardaukar soldiers (the Emperor’s elite forces). Yueh provides Duke Leto with a chance for revenge by implanting a poison capsule in his tooth. Leto kills himself in an attempt to assassinate the Baron, but only succeeds in killing some of the Harkonnens.
Paul and Jessica’s Escape
Paul and Lady Jessica are captured but manage to escape into the desert. Paul’s visions intensify, showing possible futures of holy wars fought in his name. They survive sandworms, heat, and Harkonnen hunters, eventually encountering a group of Fremen led by Stilgar.
The film ends with Paul and Jessica being tested by the Fremen. Jamis, a Fremen warrior, challenges Paul to a duel. Despite never having killed before, Paul defeats Jamis in a brutal knife fight, shocking both Jessica and the Fremen. This moment signifies Paul’s first step into Fremen society and his acceptance of the harsh desert culture. As the Fremen take Jamis’s body for their rituals, Chani approaches Paul—the girl from his visions. The final scene has Paul and Jessica walking with the Fremen across the desert, as Paul looks out toward the vast dunes. He says, “This is only the beginning,” foreshadowing his larger role in shaping the universe.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Dune (2021) does not have a post-credits scene. The story ends definitively with Paul and Jessica joining the Fremen, and the continuation is left for Dune: Part Two.
Type of Movie
Dune is an epic science fiction film that blends political intrigue, family drama, mysticism, and large-scale world-building. It has elements of space opera but with a more serious, mythic tone.
Cast
Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides
Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica
Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides
Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck
Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho
Zendaya as Chani
Javier Bardem as Stilgar
Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban
Charlotte Rampling as Reverend Mother Mohiam
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Hans Zimmer, who passed on scoring Tenet to work on Dune. Zimmer uses unique instruments, throat singing, bagpipes, and electronic distortions to create an alien yet immersive atmosphere. The soundtrack is as epic and strange as the landscapes of Arrakis itself.
Filming took place primarily in Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert and Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert, which provided the raw, otherworldly desert visuals essential for Arrakis. Additional scenes were shot in Hungary’s Origo Studios. The desert filming was crucial in giving authenticity to the sand-swept environment of Arrakis.
Awards and Nominations
Dune (2021) was a critical and awards-season juggernaut, winning 6 Academy Awards out of 10 nominations, including:
Best Sound
Best Original Score
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Production Design
Best Visual Effects
It was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Behind the Scenes Insights
Denis Villeneuve insisted on shooting in real deserts rather than relying on CGI landscapes.
Timothée Chalamet had been Villeneuve’s first and only choice for Paul.
The actors wore specially designed “stillsuits” that regulated heat during filming in extreme desert conditions.
Hans Zimmer built custom instruments to capture the alien feel of Arrakis.
Jason Momoa improvised some of Duncan Idaho’s fight moves, bringing a natural fluidity to the combat scenes.
Inspired countless works afterward, including Star Wars.
Director Denis Villeneuve also drew inspiration from films like “Apocalypse Now” for its epic scope and “Lawrence of Arabia” for its desert cinematography. The visual style incorporates elements from Middle Eastern architecture and the paintings of Frank Frazetta.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Some extended sequences—like Paul’s visions and more footage of Chani—were trimmed to keep pacing tight. Villeneuve has hinted that a director’s cut might never be released, as he prefers the theatrical version.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film adapts only the first half of Herbert’s novel, ending with Paul’s acceptance into Fremen society. Major differences:
The book contains more political scheming and inner monologues, while the movie relies on visuals and dialogue.
Dr. Yueh’s character arc is more fleshed out in the book, making his betrayal and motivations clearer.
Some minor characters are condensed or left out entirely.
Paul using “the Voice” effectively for the first time.
The attack on Arrakeen, with explosions raining down as House Atreides falls.
Duke Leto’s suicide attempt against the Baron.
Paul’s duel with Jamis.
The sandworm rising in the desert as Paul and Jessica barely escape.
Iconic Quotes
“A great man doesn’t seek to lead. He’s called to it.” – Duke Leto
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer.” – Paul
“This is only the beginning.” – Paul
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
The “Giedi Prime” scenes have a monochrome, oily aesthetic, a visual nod to David Lynch’s Dune (1984).
The Sardaukar chanting language was developed with a linguist, blending Tibetan throat singing with Slavic influences.
Hans Zimmer created a distinct musical theme for each house (Atreides, Harkonnen, Fremen).
Trivia
Denis Villeneuve had dreamed of adapting Dune since his teenage years.
Charlotte Rampling initially turned down the role of Lady Jessica in Lynch’s 1984 version but returned here as Reverend Mother Mohiam.
The ornithopter designs were inspired by dragonfly wings.
Zendaya appears on-screen for only about seven minutes, despite heavy marketing.
Why Watch?
Because Dune is the rare sci-fi blockbuster that balances spectacle with substance. It’s not just about sandworms and explosions—it’s about politics, destiny, and ecology. If you want a film that respects your intelligence while blowing your mind with visuals, this is it.
