Sand, spice, and political intrigue. Dune (2021) is a cinematic masterpiece that delves the viewers into the mind of Frank Herbert, but what can this movie teach college students about life? Dune isn’t just a science fiction movie filled with never-ending oceans of sand and sandworms larger than life; Instead, it covers various complex themes such as social issues, critical thinking skills, and character development. These topics are all important and inspiring for someone at college level. 

Viewers will be immersed in the complex story’s social issues; From religion, to economics, to politics. Dune is set in the distant future where humanity has spread across the galaxy, relying on a mysterious and psychogenic substance called “spice” for interstellar travel and political power. Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) becomes trapped in the middle of a deadly struggle for control of the spice. Paul learns that he is prophesied as a messiah for the Fremen, native people of the desert planet Arrakis, but also a product of the Bene Gesserit to become the fabled Kwisatz Hadarach, their own version of a messiah. Paul must seize his fate and lead what remains of his people to freedom in a universe on the edge of chaos.  

The movie holds an intricate plot that requires viewers to engage their critical thinking skills to understand the deep political and economic issues. The BRWC Review reiterates this with, “It requires your complete attention to ensure that you do not lose out on the details.” We learn that House Atreides becomes a target for House Harkonnen after they take ownership of the desert planet Arrakis that produces the spice. With this shift in stewardship, Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac), the Duke of House Atreides, warns Paul that the emperor set them up for conflict between them and House Harkonnen, which will cause a war that will weaken them both but benefit the emperor. Leto tells Paul he is planning on creating an alliance with the Fremen in hopes of outsmarting the emperor.  

Dune could be looked at like a coming-of-age story for Paul, as we see him throughout the movie as someone who is weak and small physically compared to his father and soldier friends, Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin) and Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa). We see outstanding character development in Paul from the beginning in the scene where he is having a father-son conversation with Leto. Paul doesn’t want to take his place as Duke. Leto tells his son that he didn’t want this position either and instead wanted to be a pilot, quoting Paul’s grandfather, “a good man doesn’t seek to lead. He is called to it, and he answers,” and reassures him that he is still his son, no matter what path in life he chooses. This moment of father-son understanding shows the real relationship between them. Later in the movie after the fall of House Atreides, Paul and his mother Jessica Atreides (Rebecca Ferguson) flee into the desert towards a Fremen camp to ask for help. This is where Paul makes his first kill, after a knife fight with a Fremen who objects them being taken in. In this moment, one could argue that this is where Paul really grew up and set his path for the future of him and his people. 

Dune stands as more than just a science fiction movie; it is a coming-of-age story with thought-provoking visual storytelling exploring political and economic issues. Dune can help sharpen students’ critical thinking skills, broaden their cultural literacy, and gain a deeper understanding of society while being inspired by Paul’s character growth. College students will not only be entertained but also inspired to explore the depths of their own intellect and imagination.  

Brwc. “Dune: The BRWC Review – Film Reviews, Interviews, Features: BRWC.” Film Reviews, Interviews, Features | BRWC, 3 Oct. 2021, battleroyalewithcheese.com/2021/10/dune-the-brwc-review/.  

“Dune.” IMDb, IMDb.com, www.imdb.com/title/tt1160419/plotsummary/. Accessed 4 Apr. 2024.