Dune: Part One is a 2021 American epic science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve, based on the first half of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel Dune. Set in the distant future, the film follows Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe, 1 Arrakis, to ensure the future of his family and 2 his people.   The story begins with House Atreides, a noble family, being granted control of Arrakis, the only source of the precious spice melange, by the Emperor Shaddam IV. Melange is a substance that extends life and enhances consciousness, and its control is a major source of power in the galaxy. However, this move is a political maneuver by the Emperor, who is secretly allied with House Harkonnen, the Atreides' bitter enemies. The Harkonnens, led by the cruel and obese Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, have long coveted Arrakis and see this as an opportunity to eliminate the Atreides. They launch a surprise attack on Arrakis, killing Duke Leto Atreides, Paul's father, and forcing the Atreides into exile. Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica, escape into the vast desert of Arrakis with the help of the Fremen, the indigenous people of the planet.