My seat vibrated as the booming sounds of an aircraft bounced off the walls of the surround-sound theater. Actress Zendaya’s glorious face and edited bright blue eyes graced the huge screen. I would usually be asleep at 10 p.m. on a Thursday night, but instead I was sitting in a Cinemark theater, and not at all upset about it.

Based on the 1965 sci-fi novel, Denis Villanueve’s “Dune” was released in theaters and on HBOMax Oct. 21. The film featured young actors Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, attracting a young audience in a typically adult-kind of slow sci-fi movie. 

Taking place roughly 20,000 years in the future, “Dune” focuses on young man and prince Paul Atreides (Chalamet) who lives on fictional planet Arrakis. When he is forced to step up and travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe, Paul must take control to defend the future of his family and his people. 

From the simple summary shown through the trailer, I did not have many expectations for this film. I obviously expected a movie starring Chalamet and Zendaya to be amazing, but had no idea what the two and a half hours worth of content would entail. 

Viewing the film on opening night was an experience. I almost never make an effort to see movies immediately, but for the purpose of this review and my love for Chalamet’s talent on screen, I watched this movie on a Thursday night. 

The thing about this film that stuck out to me most was its cinematography. While the plot was very thought out, it was almost too complicated for me. I guess I meet the teenage-girl-who-loves-girly-romantic-movies stereotype when I say I was a little confused throughout the film. It was complicated and action-filled, which I loved at times, but I have to admit I zoned out multiple times during the long conversations between characters. 

Although I was tired from seeing the two-and-a-half hour long film on a school night, the amazing soundtrack roaring through the theater made the experience worthwhile. The visuals of the gorgeous planets and intricate costumes were enthralling. As someone who debates wanting to pursue film or cinematography in the future, this film made me obsessed with the idea of someday working behind the scenes of a movie like this. 

Needless to say, the acting was impeccable. In scenes where characters were on the brink of death or witnessed something else traumatic, I was amazed at the risks the actors took. As a theater kid myself, I often think about what it would be like to play the characters in a film I am watching, but this one was difficult. The choices made between actors were probably something only someone involved in theater would notice, but I was constantly thinking about the point of view of the actors on screen. 

Seeing “Dune” in theaters was an experience, and I doubt it would have been even slightly similar if I watched it for the first time on HBOMax on a laptop in my room. If high action sci-fi movies interest you, or you just have to see every movie featuring Zendaya, I highly recommend seeing this film in theaters rather than at home. And maybe plan a time to see the lengthy film, not on a school night.