2021's Dune’s stunning visuals and epic narrative serve to highlight its unforgettable characters’ roles and stories. For both fans of the book series and audiences meeting these characters for the first time, it’s fascinating to watch their relationships develop and influence the events in the film.
A major event like a change of stewardship for one of the most important planets in Dune’s world unsurprisingly causes friction between the Great Houses and their people. The best relationships in the movie are able to withstand and face the dangers on the alien planet. Characters in these relationships have a strong connection with their friend, family, or lover, often trusting them with their lives during the galaxy’s uncertain times.
Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam & Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
The relationship between the Reverend Mother and the Harkonnen figurehead is one that relies purely on greed. As the Emperor’s Truthsayer, Helen represents the interests of the highest leader of the Imperium, which just so happens to align with Baron Harkonnen’s own agenda. She's a powerful woman in the sci-fi movie, who combines her skills and influence with the Baron's vast wealth and strong army.
The two conspire to take down House Atreides before Duke Leto could even begin to improve the planet of Arrakis. Only their mutually beneficial evil plot binds them together, but the Baron can’t even bring himself to be totally honest with the Reverend Mother about murdering Paul and his mother. It’s one of the weakest relationships in the film marred by selfishness and deceit, but it still manages to achieve its purpose of destroying the Arrakeen capital and its new stewards.
Count Glossu Rabban Harkonnen & Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
As the Baron’s nephew, Count Rabban’s role is to execute the Harkonnen leader’s plans. From commanding the Great House’s army to hunting down the Fremen, Rabban is the Baron’s second-in-command that the powerful sci-fi villain relies on to get things done.
There’s an obvious imbalance of power between the two family members, with the Baron taking on the role of a disinterested mentor. Rabban learns from his uncle’s strategic decisions and recognizes him as his superior. It wouldn’t be too far-fetched to expect the Baron to throw his nephew under the bus if it suits him. For now, though, their imperfect relationship is at least advantageous for their Great House.
Chani Kynes & Paul Atreides
The enigmatic woman from several of Paul’s visions isn’t introduced until the last portion of the film. It’s revealed that she’s a Fremen fighter who’s fiercely protective of her people. Despite her short appearance, it’s easy for fans to deduce that she’ll play a bigger role in Paul’s life. The royal heir’s visions show the two of them traversing the arid desert together, at one point being comfortably close next to each other in between a mountain’s crevice.
Because viewers don’t get a chance to see their relationship develop further than Paul’s Amtal, it isn’t the most important partnership in the film just yet. That said, the fact that their futures are intertwined is more than enough to consider the pair’s connection as a crucial one in Dune’s universe.
Gurney Halleck & Paul Atreides
House Atreides’ Warmaster, Gurney, takes his job seriously. Audiences see how skilled and determined he is when he insists on training with Paul despite the protagonist not being “in the mood” to fight. He can be intimidating at times, but Gurney’s persistence comes from his desire to fulfill his duty to the Great House and to keep Paul and his family safe.
When Paul makes the potentially fatal mistake of staying out in the desert with a sandworm closing in, it’s Gurney who comes to his rescue. He’s more of a protector than a friend to the royal heir, which is an essential relationship for the protagonist during his family’s perilous transition of power in Arrakis.
Duncan Idaho & Stilgar
Not a lot of people have been able to locate and assimilate the Fremen groups in Arrakis, which is why the Duke entrusts this vital task to his swordmaster, Duncan. Thanks to his diplomatic ability and impressive skills, Duncan is able to gain the trust of the elusive Fremen leader, Stilgar.
Although the weeks-long process is only recounted and not shown in the film, viewers get a good idea of how much work Duncan had to put into developing his relationship with Stilgar. His work pays off in critical ways, as it opens the doors for a partnership between the Atreides and the Fremen. It’s an important deal that has bigger implications for the future of the Great House and the locals who can harness “desert power.”
Lady Jessica & Duke Leto Atreides
Lady Jessica and Duke Leto’s romance is one that stays faithful to the sci-fi book the movie is adapted from. Just like how it is in the novel, the two are never actually married, which is a political move meant to keep Leto as an eligible partner for other Great Houses.
Despite never tying the knot, the two noticeably care deeply about each other. They work together to keep their House in power and their son safe. While both of them likely love Paul more than each other, they have an effective partnership that has helped make House Atreides become one of the most successful Great Families in the Imperium.
Duncan Idaho & Paul Atreides
Paul’s closeness with Duncan is immediately apparent in the first few minutes of the film when the protagonist expresses his concern about a troubling dream he had about the swordmaster. Duncan knows exactly what Paul needs to hear to feel reassured, which is a testament to their storied connection.
Duncan’s tragic demise, unfortunately, cuts the best movie friendship in Dune too short. He cares deeply enough about the royal heir to sacrifice his own life to fend off the Sardaukar. It’s a harrowing scene that shows a desperate Paul in pain over the loss of his closest friend. Duncan’s death highlights how much he values Paul and everything he stands for – the end of their friendship is something that will haunt fans long after they’re done watching the film.
Duke Leto Atreides & Paul Atreides
The father and son duo in Dune is predictably one of the most significant partnerships of the movie. As the Duke of House Atreides, Leto counts on his young heir, Paul, to be observant and smart enough to learn from his leadership, as it will be the protagonist’s job to lead the Great House sooner than he thinks.
That said, it’s revealed in a poignant scene that the Duke cares for Paul as his son more than as his heir, reminding him that by being a good child, he’s all Leto ever needs him to be. Paul clearly sees his father in the same way, admiring him for his leadership and protection of his family. Their relationship is something Paul will take with him as he ventures out into the desert, proudly carrying his signet ring and everything he has ever learned from his capable father.
Lady Jessica & Paul Atreides
While Paul and Leto are undeniably close with each other, their relationship could never compare to the young heir’s connection with his mother. As a sister of the Bene Gesserit, Lady Jessica is responsible for preparing Paul for his path ahead. Although it’s not all shown in the movie, audiences are able to see how much time Jessica has spent training the protagonist’s Voice and teaching him the Way of the organization.
Beyond preparing Paul for his role as the Kwisatz Haderach, Jessica is also an adept fighter who will go to great lengths to protect her son. Paul has shown that he will do whatever it takes to save her as well, which is especially apparent when he uses the Voice to free her in the Thopter. With the Duke gone, the two will likely have to rely even more on each other to survive the harsh deserts of Arrakis. Their love for each other has helped keep them alive so far and there’s no telling what the two of them can achieve together with the Fremen in the near future.