Back in 2017, I remember being drawn to the buzz surrounding Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Directed by the legendary Luc Besson, known for films like The Fifth Element and Léon: The Professional, it was pitched as a groundbreaking sci-fi spectacle. With a production budget approaching $200 million, this was not only Europe’s most expensive film at the time, but one of the priciest in history. Expectations were sky-high. But despite the hype, the movie’s reception turned out to be far from what its creators had envisioned.
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“Valerian”: A Visual Marvel That Flopped Financially
At the heart of Valerian is a visually stunning world, brimming with breathtaking special effects and a narrative that promised to be as bold as its visuals. However, despite the massive budget and the sheer scope of the film, it failed to meet box office expectations. With a global gross of around $232 million, it seems like a solid sum, but when you factor in its $200 million production cost and the extensive marketing expenses, the film fell well short of breaking even. To recover costs, it needed to earn at least double its budget—something it didn’t come close to achieving.
Critics had mixed reactions. While many praised the film’s visual artistry and its ambitious world-building, others found the story lackluster, and the pacing uneven. The lead actors, Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, also received divided reviews. While both were relatively well-known—DeHaan had appeared in Chronicle and The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Delevingne was fresh off Suicide Squad—some felt their performances didn’t quite capture the chemistry needed for a film of this scale. It was, in a way, a visual masterpiece trapped in a narrative that didn’t quite hit the mark.
A friend of mine summed it up perfectly after we saw it: “Visually stunning, but emotionally hollow.” That seemed to be the prevailing sentiment among many viewers.
A Second Chance: Watch Valerian for Free
If you missed Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets when it was first released or if you’re curious to see what all the fuss was about, there’s good news. The film is now available to stream for free on TF1’s platform. This gives viewers the opportunity to experience the high-concept sci-fi adventure without any of the pressure that came with its hyped theatrical release.
For fans of imaginative worlds and cutting-edge visuals, Valerian still has a lot to offer. The film’s universe is packed with vibrant alien species, intricate space stations, and stunning visual effects that showcase Besson’s unique filmmaking style. While it may not have reached the financial success or critical acclaim it was aiming for, it remains a fascinating example of bold storytelling and a commitment to pushing cinematic boundaries.
Is It Worth a Watch?
If you’re someone who enjoys visually rich sci-fi settings, Valerian is worth checking out. It’s a movie that didn’t quite meet its initial potential, but in a way, that gives it a bit of charm. Watching it now, free from the weight of lofty expectations, allows you to appreciate it on its own terms. It’s a fascinating case of a film that may not have been a hit at the box office but still offers an immersive experience for those willing to give it a try.
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Sometimes, movies like Valerian find a second life long after they leave theaters. While it might not have become the blockbuster it was destined to be, it stands as a testament to the risks filmmakers take when they aim to do something truly different. Now that it’s available to stream for free, it’s your chance to see if this $200 million gamble is worth your time.