Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) is a space opera film written and directed by Luc Besson, with production by Virginie Besson-Silla, his wife. Based on a beloved comic book series, this new adventure movie has been a source of inspiration for generations of artists, writers, and filmmakers. Set in the twenty-eighth century, Major Valerian and Sergeant Laureline are a formidable duo tasked with maintaining order in the human territories. Ordered by Defense Minister Herbie Hancock, they embark on a mission to Alpha – an ever-expanding metropolis where diverse species have come together over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence, and cultures. However, lurking at the heart of Alpha is a mystery – a menacing force that threatens not only the ‘City of a Thousand Planets’ but also the future of the universe. Racing against time, Valerian and Laureline must identify this threat and protect not just Alpha but all life in the cosmos.

Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to retrieve the last ‘Mül converter’ from black market dealer Igon Siruss. On planet Kirian in an alternate dimension, Valerian interrupts a meeting between Igon and two hooded figures resembling the humanoids from his dream. These figures are also searching for the converter, which happens to resemble a small animal in Valerian’s dream. After successfully obtaining the converter and stealing an energy pearl, Valerian and Laureline return to their ship. It is then that Valerian discovers that Mül was destroyed 30 years ago and all information concerning it is classified. Upon arriving at Alpha, commander Arün Filitt shares with them crucial information – the center of the station has been contaminated and deemed highly toxic by an unknown force. Despite attempts by troops to enter this area, none have returned and the radiation levels continue to increase.