Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets Review: Stunning Worlds, Empty Story

Introduction

Anticipation for Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets ran high, especially with Luc Besson, the visionary behind The Fifth Element, at the helm. Hopes were pinned on a return to form, a sprawling space opera that would capture the imagination. Based on a beloved comic series, the film promised an expansive universe, teeming with alien life and futuristic marvels. Yet, while the visual ambition is undeniable, the journey itself proves to be a surprisingly bumpy one.

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

The central pairing of agents Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) is meant to anchor the narrative, but their chemistry is conspicuously absent. Despite clear intentions for a Han and Leia-esque dynamic, the spark simply isn't there. In fact, Laureline's interactions with a minor, unnamed character early on are noted as being far more convincing than anything shared with her supposed romantic lead. DeHaan, a capable actor in other roles, feels miscast, delivering a performance that comes across as a "Kianu light" impersonation rather than a compelling hero. Delevingne, too, struggles to elevate the material, leaving the audience with little emotional investment in their relationship.

However, where the film truly shines is in its action and visual spectacle. From the opening frames, the sheer imagination on display is breathtaking. A standout sequence involves Valerian navigating a precipice by shooting a shield gun beneath his feet, creating temporary platforms in mid-air. Even more impressive is the introduction to the multi-dimensional marketplace, a concept so cool it makes the sci-fi enthusiast in any viewer "nerd out." This sequence, requiring special glasses and gloves to interact with a hidden dimension, is a testament to the film's visual creativity, even if the script struggles to keep pace.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is plagued by a messy, convoluted plot. The film introduces numerous subplots that feel entirely disconnected from the main narrative, failing to contribute to character development or advance the central mystery. These segments are likened to side quests in a video game RPG, where characters are sent on tangential errands that feel tacked on simply to extend the runtime. This episodic structure drains any sense of urgency or tension, as the stakes often feel arbitrary and easily resolved. For instance, moments where characters are in mortal danger are quickly undercut by the protagonist's ability to effortlessly dispatch threats, leaving no real sense of peril.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

Luc Besson's direction is a tale of two halves. On one hand, his visual flair and world-building are unparalleled, crafting a universe that is vibrant, diverse, and endlessly imaginative. The film is a feast for the eyes, showcasing incredible alien designs and futuristic environments. On the other hand, the script, also penned by Besson, struggles with tone and pacing. Attempts at humor often fall flat, clashing with the more serious elements of the story. The disjointed narrative and underdeveloped characters suggest a creative freedom that, while allowing for visual extravagance, ultimately resulted in a lack of narrative cohesion. The film is "pretty," as one might say, but fundamentally a "mess" when it comes to storytelling.

The Final Verdict

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a visually stunning journey through an incredibly imaginative universe, a true spectacle of sci-fi design and alien creativity. Yet, beneath its dazzling surface lies a deeply flawed narrative, hampered by a messy plot, disconnected subplots, and a complete lack of chemistry between its lead actors. While the film offers moments of genuine visual wonder, its storytelling shortcomings make it a largely forgettable experience. It's a film that prioritizes aesthetic ambition over narrative coherence, leaving audiences with a beautiful but ultimately hollow adventure.