One of the benefits of film is that it is a visual medium, which means that it can do in a frame what it might take a book several pages of description to pull off. We see this the most in its ability to build worlds in front of our eyes.

These worlds could be great space operas exploring galaxies, a small period piece that looks back in time, or anything. But when every part of the film is being used to tell a story, you know it is good.   

So without further ado, these films showed excellence in Worldbuilding 2021. Be warned that there may be slight spoilers ahead for the films in question. Also, you can click on the titles to go to the full reviews.

Dune

A joyous visual spectacle that revels in the small details.  

Directed by – Denis Villeneuve
Screenplay by – Jon Spaihts, Denis Villeneuve & Eric Roth
Based on – Dune by Frank Herbert

Godzilla vs. Kong

In a world where titans rule, every part of the production comes together to make it shine.               

Directed by – Adam Wingard
Story by – Terry Rossio, Michael Dougherty & Zach Shields
Screenplay by – Eric Pearson & Max Borenstein
Based on – Godzilla by Toho & King Kong by Edgar Wallace and Merian C. Cooper

Love and Monsters

A unique post-apocalyptic setting full of exciting creatures and transformed landscapes  

Directed by – Michael Matthews
Story by – Brian Duffield
Screenplay by – Brian Duffield & Matthew Robinson

Occupation: Rainfall

A film that takes the notion of an Alien Invasion and then throws a big Australian spin on it all to create a world that is both familiar and yet unique.         

Directed by – Luke Sparke
Written by – Luke Sparke

Space Sweepers (승리호)

Here we get a fully realised world of excess and scarcity, a world that feels fanciful yet also maybe far too close to home.

Directed by – Jo Sung-hee
Written by – Yoon Seung-min, Yoo-kang Seo-ae & Jo Sung-hee

And the Winner is!!!!! – Dune

One may want to argue that because Dune is an adaptation, it had a leg up in the worldbuilding department and fair. But I would also postulate for you that history has shown that just because you are adapting a novel does not mean that you can nail the worldbuilding. Every little detail in this film is placed with care and caution. This care creates a vibrant world of clashing feudal empires all trying to get that one last point over their rivals.

There is a level of scale that this film gets right that creates these moments of awe, but then the film also does not forget the small things. Like when the ships land on Arrakis, and you have everyone in their finery disembarking from these megaliths, only to be accompanied by a dude on the bagpipe that feels both out of place and yet perfectly positioned.   

By Brian MacNamara: You can follow Brian on Twitter Here, when he’s not chatting about Movies and TV, he’ll be talking about International Relations, or the Solar System.

What are your favourite cinematic moments from 2021?, let us know what you thought in the comments below, feel free to share this review on any of the social medias and you can follow us Here. Check out all our past reviews and articles Here, and have a happy day. 

Credits – All images used were created by the respective studio and artists of each film