“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” directed by Luc Besson and released in 2017, is an ambitious science fiction film that stands out for its stunning visual effects, imaginative world-building, and complex narrative. Adapted from the French comic series “Valérian and Laureline” by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières, the film attempts to bring the expansive and visually rich universe of the comics to the big screen. This essay explores the film’s narrative structure, visual style, thematic elements, and its impact on the science fiction genre.

Set in the 28th century, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” follows Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne), elite special operatives tasked with maintaining order in the vast and diverse universe. The film’s central plot revolves around their mission to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the peace of Alpha, a massive space station known as the City of a Thousand Planets. Alpha is a hub of intergalactic activity, hosting millions of inhabitants from across the galaxy.

“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” is a visually stunning sci-fi adventure based on the French comic series “Valérian and Laureline.” The film follows Major Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and his partner, Sergeant Laureline (Cara Delevingne), who are intergalactic agents charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories. Tasked with a mission to the sprawling, cosmopolitan megastructure of Alpha—an ever-expanding metropolis where species from across the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence, and cultures—they uncover a mystery that threatens not only the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets but also the future of the universe.

The narrative weaves through dazzling landscapes and complex ecosystems filled with imaginative creatures and vividly realized worlds. Despite criticisms of its pacing and dialogue, the film is celebrated for its ambitious scope, extraordinary visual effects, and inventive design, marking it as a distinctive piece of cinematic artistry within the science fiction genre.