By [Ravi Singh]
Dune Prophecy Review: HBO’s latest ambitious venture, Dune: Prophecy, serves as a prequel to Denis Villeneuve’s epic Dune films, plunging viewers into a universe set over 10,000 years before the events we’ve already seen. Premiering on November 17, Dune: Prophecy occupies the same genre space as HBO’s previous successes like House of the Dragon but with a dark, cosmic twist. The sci-fi drama stars Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, and Mark Strong and delves deep into the intricate and often dangerous power plays within the Imperium.
Table of Contents
Dune Prophecy Review: Plot and Structure
The series presents an origin story for the Bene Gesserit, an influential, mystical sisterhood within the Dune universe. The story’s focal point is Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson), a key figure striving to leverage the Bene Gesserit’s unique powers for her family’s redemption. With her sister Tula (Olivia Williams) at her side, Valya is determined to reshape the galaxy—even if her past actions have left her name tainted. As the story progresses, various characters—including the Emperor’s daughter, Princess Ynez, and the mysterious soldier Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel)—are drawn into this web of ambition, manipulation, and betrayal.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Bottom Line | Unable to match the spectacle of the films, but still big and brooding. |
| Airdate | 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17 (HBO) |
| Genre | Sci-Fi Drama, Prequel |
| Main Cast | Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina |
| Supporting Cast | Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin |
| Creators | Diane Ademu-John, Alison Schapker |
| Story Premise | Follows the origin of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood over 10,000 years before the events of *Dune* |
| Key Themes | Power, Female Agency, Morality, Betrayal |
| Tone | Dark, Brooding, Politically Intricate |
| Visual Style | Claustrophobic Interiors, Smoky Palaces, Minimal Desert Landscapes |
| Notable Comparisons | *House of the Dragon*, *Game of Thrones* Style Scheming |
Despite its potential, Dune: Prophecy often feels overly familiar. The show’s high-stakes power struggles echo Game of Thrones, only with fewer dragons and more sandworms. Yet, while HBO’s The Penguin deftly reinterpreted mobster tropes, Dune: Prophecy doesn’t quite reach the same level of innovation.
Strengths and Weaknesses
For fans of the Dune movies, Dune: Prophecy offers a deeper look into the franchise’s dense lore, providing details that the films, constrained by time, could only hint at. The visuals are competent if not breathtaking—sacrificing the sweeping desert landscapes of Villeneuve’s movies for the dark, smoky interiors of royal palaces and Bene Gesserit training halls. The intentionally claustrophobic feel adds to the show’s somber tone but detracts from the awe-inspiring scope fans might expect.
Where the series truly shines is in the casting. Watson and Williams, alongside their younger counterparts, Jessica Barden and Emma Canning, embody their characters’ shared history and deep-seated ambitions, particularly in the show’s standout third episode. Meanwhile, Mark Strong’s Emperor Javicco and Travis Fimmel’s rugged Desmond add layers of intrigue and authority. Unfortunately, some younger cast members, including Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Princess Ynez, struggle to make an impact in an ensemble cast that’s often stretched thin.
Themes and Execution
Thematically, Dune: Prophecy explores power and agency, particularly the complex dynamics of female ambition within a patriarchal society. The series attempts to grapple with big ideas about authority, morality, and zealotry. However, the narrative’s moral ambiguity often leaves it feeling unfocused, at times contradicting the points it seems poised to make. Questions of ambition, betrayal, and identity are rich but lack cohesion, leaving viewers uncertain of the show’s stance on these issues.
The pacing is also an issue. At over an hour per episode, Dune: Prophecy leans heavily into exposition, risking viewer fatigue. The payoff doesn’t always justify the drawn-out storytelling, and the stakes often feel muddled.
Despite its flaws, Dune: Prophecy is an intriguing, ambitious addition to HBO’s slate, aiming to add a new dimension to the Dune franchise. With a few more episodes, it may win over fans with its rich world-building and slow-burn drama. But right now, it lacks the energy and inventiveness that defined its cinematic predecessors. Dune: Prophecy has the potential to grow into something memorable—it just needs a bit more spice to reach the heights it’s aiming for.
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