Dune

Dune

Year: 2021

Runtime: 155 mins

Language: English

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Science FictionAdventureEpic heroesMonsters aliens sci-fi and the apocalypseAction-packed space and alien sagas

Paul Atreides, a young man with a remarkable destiny, is thrust into a perilous journey to the desert planet Arrakis. To secure his family's future and the survival of his people, he must navigate a landscape rife with danger and political intrigue. The planet holds the universe’s most valuable resource, sparking conflict among powerful factions vying for control. Only those who can overcome their fears will have a chance to endure.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Dune yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Dune (2021)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dune (2021). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The far future, unspecified but likely several thousand years from now

The setting appears to be in a distant future where space travel, interstellar empires, and advanced technologies such as shields and atomics are commonplace. Society is divided into noble Houses, with political power exercised through complex alliances and conflicts over control of planetoids and resources like spice.

Location

Arrakis, Dune

Arrakis, also known as Dune, is a vast, arid desert planet famous for its expansive sand dunes and giant sandworms. It is the only source of the valuable spice melange, making it a strategic focal point for powerful factions. The planet's extreme climate and unique ecosystem have led the native Fremen to adapt remarkably to survive its perils.

🌍 Desert 🪱 Sandworms 🌾 Spice 🏜️ Harsh Environment

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:44

Main Characters – Dune (2021)

Meet the key characters of Dune (2021), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson)

A Bene Gesserit and mother to Paul, Lady Jessica is a skilled and secretly powerful figure who navigates political and spiritual worlds. She is fiercely protective of her son and possesses deep knowledge of the Bene Gesserit’s motives and traditional rituals, often balancing her loyalty to her order with her love for her family.

🧙️ Bene Gesserit 💪 Protective 🤫 Mysterious

Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac)

The noble head of House Atreides, Duke Leto is a strategic and compassionate leader committed to his people. He seeks to forge alliances and protect his family while navigating treacherous political landscapes, understanding that his control of Arrakis is a fragile but crucial position.

👑 Leadership ⚖️ Strategist 🤝 Diplomatic

Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet)

The young heir of House Atreides, Paul is a complex character showing signs of extraordinary mental and physical potential. His visions, dreams, and combat skills suggest a destined role as a messianic figure, caught between his human upbringing and the powerful forces shaping his future.

🕵️‍♂️ Visionary ⚔️ Warrior 🌌 Chosen

Chani (Zendaya)

A Fremen girl and Paul’s love interest, Chani embodies the desert resilience and spiritual depth of her people. Her connection with Paul hints at a significant role in his destiny and symbolizes hope for the future of Arrakis.

🌹 Fremen 💫 Mystic ❤️ Love Interest

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:44

Major Themes – Dune (2021)

Explore the central themes of Dune (2021), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Power and Conquest

The movie explores the struggle for dominance among noble houses, through military might, political intrigue, and strategic alliances. The control of Arrakis and its spice highlights how resource scarcity fuels conflicts, shaping the destinies of individuals and entire civilizations.

🔮 Fate and Destiny

Paul’s visions and the Fremen’s prophecies suggest a destiny intertwined with messianic themes. The narrative examines how individuals confront their perceived roles in shaping history, often against overwhelming odds, and the tension between free will and destiny.

🧠 Knowledge and Power

The film underscores the importance of mental and physical training, with characters like the Bene Gesserit and Mentats illustrating how knowledge, discipline, and manipulation can influence the course of events. The potential of Paul as the Kwisatz Haderach hints at the convergence of wisdom and power shaping the universe.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:44

Unlock the Full Story of Dune

Don't stop at just watching — explore Dune in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Dune is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Dune Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Dune, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Dune Summary

Dune Timeline

Track the full timeline of Dune with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Dune Timeline

Dune Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Dune that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Dune Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Dune

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Dune: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Dune