What is the series worth, and can we watch it without having seen the films?

We've waited a long time for it, it's finally here. From this Monday, November 18, fans of the universe Dunethe novel by Franck Herbert put into images in the two films (soon three) by Denis Villeneuve, will be able to discover the series Dune : Prophecy on Max. No Timothée Chamalet and Zendaya on the horizon, the series is a prequel whose plot is set approximately 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atréides, and is adapted from the novel The Community of Sisters, co-written by Brian Herbert, the author's son.

But what is the series worth? Does it suffer from comparison with the films? Can we watch it if we haven't followed Denis Villeneuve's films? 20 Minuteswho saw the first episodes, answers you without spoilers.

A faithful universe

For fans of Duneno change of scenery: the universe is faithful to the films. We find there the intrigues and power struggles which agitate the nascent Imperium, the Atreides and Harkonnen families, the exploitation of the spice and the sandworms of the planet Arrakis, as well as the Voice of the Bene Gesserit.

The plot also focuses on the creation of this mystical-religious order of powerful women who whisper in the ear of the leaders, and who can control the gestures of their interlocutor using their Voice and know who is lying and who is saying it. truth. And begins with the Harkonnen sisters, Valya and Tula, determined to restore the honor of their surname and place one of their own on the throne. It is also Valya, ancestor of the Harkonnen villains of the films, who tells the story. Having become Bene Gesserit, her ascension is launched by the first Reverend mother of the order, she is the very first to use the Voice and she establishes her power in the blood. The plot is dense, and features a large cast of characters, so you have to stay focused.

Visually, without having the colossal means of Villeneuve's productions, the series still packs a nice punch and does not bear comparison with the films. Max pulled out all the stops and it shows on screen. The series is simply beautiful, and really enjoyable to watch.

Accessible to lay people

Haven't seen the films and are wondering if the series is worth watching? Don't panic, it's entirely possible. If aficionados will find familiar names and a universe, the series is entirely accessible to laymen, since its plot dates back to the origins of Dune. A few decades earlier, the rise of artificial intelligence led to a war won by humans, who have since banned the use of thinking machines. The spaceships are still there, but there is no question of resorting to overly sophisticated machines.

And casting-wise, the series boasts a 5-star cast. Seen in the series ChernobylEmily Watson as mother superior of the Bene Gesserit addicted to power and thirsty for vengeance delivers a breathtaking performance. Just like Mark Strong, seen in Zero, dark, thirty or Kigsman, impeccable as an emperor with fragile power. Special mention also to Travis Fimmel, aka Ragnar Lothbrok in the series Vikingsperfect as a badass warrior with supernatural powers, who will give the Bene Gesserit a run for their money.

So, let us be unbeatable on Dune or that we don't know anything about it, if you like suspenseful intrigues and power struggles like Game of Thronesand you are a sci-fi fan, then you will love it Dune : Prophecy.