I've never read the books. Seen the 84 movie a while back and didn't care for it, didn't really understand it and the dated special effects and costumes took me out. This movie I was able to grasp the story much better, some slow pacing but probably added to the world building. The ending is a bit abrupt leading into part 2 which sounds like is a go now thankfully as this would have been horrible if didn't get any continuation. The white savior stuff I can see being problematic, maybe should have cast black actors for Paul and his family, would have still worked to me but meh, only main complaint. Visuals were really well done.