We’ve waited a long time for it, and now it’s finally here. As of this Monday, November 18, fans of the Dunethe novel by Franck Herbert set in two films (soon three) by Denis Villeneuve, will be able to discover the series Dune: Prophecy on Max. Point of Timothée Chamalet and Zendaya on the Horizon, the series is a prequel set some 10,000 years before the rise of Paul Atreides, and is adapted from the novel The Sisterhood, co-written by Brian Herbert, the author’s son.
But how good is the series? Does it stand up to comparison with the films? Can you watch it if you’ve never followed Denis Villeneuve’s films? 20 Minuteswho has seen the first episodes, answers without spoilers.
A faithful universe
For fans of DuneThe universe is faithful to the films. We find the intrigues and power struggles of the nascent Imperium, the Atreides and Harkonnen families, the exploitation of spice and the sand worms of the planet Arrakis, and the Voice of the Bene Gesserit.
The plot focuses on the creation of this mystico-religious order of powerful women who whisper in the ear of the rulers, and who can control the gestures of their interlocutor using their Voice and know who is lying and who is telling the truth. And it starts with the Harkonnen sisters, Valya and Tula, determined to restore the honor of their family name and place one of their own on the throne. Valya, ancestor of the Harkonnen villains in the films, tells the story. Now a Bene Gesserit, her rise is launched by the order’s first Reverend Mother, she is the very first to use the Voice, and she establishes her power in blood. The plot is dense, and deploys a wide gallery of characters, so you need to stay focused.
Visually, without having the colossal resources of Villeneuve’s productions, the series still packs a punch and doesn’t suffer from the comparison with the films. Max has pulled out all the stops, and it shows on screen. The series is simply beautiful, and a pleasure to watch.
Accessible to the uninitiated
Haven’t seen the films and wondering if the series is worth watching? Don’t panic, it’s perfectly possible. While aficionados will find familiar names and a familiar universe, the series is completely accessible to laymen, since its plot goes back to the origins of Dune. A few decades earlier, the uprising of artificial intelligences led to a war won by humans, who have since banned the use of thinking machines. Spaceships are still around, but there’s no question of using overly sophisticated machines.
The series also boasts a 5-star cast. Seen in the series ChernobylEmily Watson delivers a stunning performance as the power-mad, vengeance-hungry Mother Superior of the Bene Gesserit. Like Mark Strong, seen in Zero, dark, thirty or Kigsman, impeccable as an emperor with fragile power. Special mention also to Travis Fimmel, aka Ragnar Lothbrok in the series Vikingsperfect as a hard-boiled warrior with supernatural powers, who will give the Bene Gesserit a run for their money.
So, whether you’re an expert on Dune or we don’t know anything about itif you like suspenseful plots and power struggles the way Game of Thronesand you’re an SF fan, then you’re going to love it. Dune: Prophecy.