Dune

Made myself a promise that I wouldn't miss seeing Dune on the big screen. Its universe is instantly established as cold, relentless, and inhospitable, yet the softer moments of the film are what makes the father and son relationship between Oscar Isaac and Timothee Chalamet's characters so warm. It's a steady and methodical introduction to Frank Herbert's literature, and does so in a way that maintains complete focus for these otherworldly characters and locations. It's a stellar presentation of limitless production and costume design, resonant sound editing, carefully chosen and concise dialogue, and the best CGI I've ever seen on-screen. Dune is ultimate sci-fi, remindful but not quite the depth of Blade Runner 2049, which was grounded in the values of identity, emotion, and free will. Instead, the increase in scale offered by Villeneuve in Dune is instead revitalized in character, loyalty, and purpose, showcasing his continued expertise in bending sci-fi to his will.