In 2017, when I first caught wind of “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets”, I was intrigued. Directed by Luc Besson, the visionary behind films like The Fifth Element and Leon: The Professional, this sci-fi epic was hyped as something groundbreaking. With a staggering production budget of nearly $200 million, it wasn’t just Europe’s most expensive film—it was one of the priciest movies ever made. The buzz was palpable. But despite the high expectations, the film’s reception became a different story altogether.
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“Valerian”: A Visual Marvel That Flopped Financially
“Valerian” was a visual spectacle—one that immersed audiences in a dazzling world of colorful alien species and intricate space stations. The movie certainly looked the part, with its stunning special effects and imaginative world-building. But when it came to the bottom line, the film didn’t quite live up to its ambition.
Although the film grossed $232 million worldwide, it fell short of recouping its massive budget when factoring in production and marketing costs. To break even, it would have needed to double that figure, which made it clear that the film was a box office disappointment. I remember watching it in theaters and being completely awe-struck by the visuals, but as the credits rolled, I felt a bit deflated. It was as though the film had everything but the heart to back up its eye-popping visuals.
Critics were divided. Some praised its bold creativity, while others found the pacing uneven and the plot lacking. The performances of the lead actors, Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, also left mixed impressions. DeHaan, coming off Chronicle and The Amazing Spider-Man 2, and Delevingne, fresh from Suicide Squad, were both solid talents—yet, their chemistry didn’t seem to have the magnetic pull needed for a project of this magnitude. A friend of mine put it best: “It’s visually stunning, but emotionally hollow.” And many viewers seemed to echo that sentiment.
A Second Chance: Watch “Valerian” for Free
If you missed out on “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” during its theatrical release—or if you want to give it a second chance—there’s good news. You can now watch the film for free on TF1’s platform. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the grandeur of this sci-fi world without having to shell out any cash.
If you enjoy bold, imaginative settings and want to dive into a universe filled with alien species and flashy effects, “Valerian” still offers a unique experience. The world Besson created is undeniably creative, even if it didn’t find the audience or critical success it deserved at the time. Now that the hype has settled, it’s easier to appreciate the film on its own terms.
Is It Worth a Watch?
For sci-fi fans or anyone looking for a visually immersive film, “Valerian” is worth exploring. It’s one of those rare movies that didn’t hit the mark in theaters but still holds its own as a cinematic adventure. Watching it now, free of the inflated expectations of its original release, offers a more relaxed perspective.
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“Valerian” may not have been the blockbuster that its makers hoped for, but it remains a testament to the ambition and creativity that drive modern filmmaking. Sometimes, films like these find a second life long after their theatrical runs, and now, as the film is available to watch for free, you can decide for yourself if it was truly a $200 million gamble worth taking.