Dune is a mesmerizing visual masterpiece. And the visuals, along with Director Denis Villeneuve use of top-notch scoring and sound effects, adds up to sheer brilliance.

Dune is based on the sci-fi novel by Frank Herbert. I remember reading a condensed versions of the book in school, but experiencing Villeneuve’s film version in IMAX is a whole different world.

In Dune, set far in the future, we meet Paul Atreides, played by Timothee Chalamet. He is the son of a prominent and accomplished family around the galaxy. His parents are Lady Jessica Atreides, and Duke Leto Atreides, played by Rebecca Ferguson and Oscar Isaac. Paul is given the power to protect his people, and mankind, from the dangers of their universe. But with little experience and not being able to handle his powers properly, the journey for Paul and the people he loves becomes quite treacherous. With help and inspiration from Gurney Halleck and Duncan Idaho, played by Josh Brolin and Jason Momoa, Paul may have a chance, but there is more to the task than anticipated.

Dune is not your typical sci-fi flick. It is an in-depth experience offering realism and continuity that is spellbinding. In fact, Dune may be one of the best immersive sci-fi experiences of 2021. Watching it in IMAX certainly added to the experience, and is definitely worth the additional cost. We always think of the visuals with IMAX, but the sound in that format is just incredibly crisp and clear as well. There is no better way to get into the mind of director Villeneuve. Seeing it in normal large cinema format would be the next best thing, but watching it at home on HBO Max just wouldn’t do it justice.

I truly enjoyed this film. Three and a half stars for Dune.