Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond In The Desert ★★★★★

Released: 19 March 2025

Director: Paul Dugdale

Starring: Hans Zimmer, Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, Jerry Bruckheimer, Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Billie Eilish, Pharrell Williams and Johnny Marr

This multi Academy-award winning composer is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and beloved composers today, with his epic and emotive scores truly shaping the landscape of film and television. Along with the likes of John Williams, Hans Zimmer is the man behind so much movie magic, with his influential work spanning four decades and over 150 films. 

Thanks to the persuasion of former collaborators Pharrell Williams and guitarist Johnny Marr, (“you can’t hide behind the screen forever!”) the German musical maestro finally took his band on tour again, with Diamond in the Desert capturing their incredible 2024 performance at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. And trust us, this is certainly not one to miss if you’re a film fan!

Opening with ‘A Time of Quiet Between the Storms’ from the Dune: Part Two soundtrack, with iconic singer Loire Cutler walking across the expansive desert dunes, Diamond in the Desert instantly immerses viewers into the wholly unique soundscape of Arrakis. What follows is breathtaking hit after breathtaking hit, as Zimmer and his band perform an array of iconic themes and suites from some of the biggest blockbusters of our time. Ranging from Interstellar to Inception, from The Lion King to Gladiator and Pirates of the Caribbean to The Dark Knight – there’s literally something for everyone to enjoy.

And it’s certainly not just all about Zimmer (who really is a delight to watch as he’s often beaming), as viewers are treated to an excellent mix of lead solos and special guests throughout the concert. Famous cellist Tina Guo (who’s adorned in excellent war paint), shines front and centre in the Wonder Woman main theme, while Dune vocalist Loire Cutler entrances in “Paul’s Dream”. It is also fantastic to see not just one but two kick-ass female drummers! 

However, it’s Lebo M and Judith Sephuma who truly steal the show with the outstanding The Lion King suite, injecting incredible energy and powerful emotion – making for a dazzling audio and visual treat. There’s also justice for the (wholly under appreciated) Lion King sequel, Simba’s Pride as the standout title track “He Lives in You” is also included!

Along with spotlighting the incredible musicians who bring it all to life, Zimmer and co. also showcase a number of intriguing instruments and equipment used throughout the compositions, including Pedro Eustache’s performance of the wholly unique duduk in the Dune tracks.

Interspersed throughout the concert are also performances in the desert, the cityscape (hello Arkham nod!) and the iconic Burj Al Arab, along with an array of insightful interviews with Zimmer and various directors, actors and musical collaborators. Christopher Nolan recounting the composer’s “total Zimmer madness” while recording is an amusing highlight, along with Zimmer’s confession to Pharrell that he writes all of his scores for a fictitious hardworking lady named “Dorris” rather than any director or studio.

Revelations such as Zimmer writing The Lion King score as a requiem for his father, who died when he was just 6, along with Loire Cutler pushing herself to the limits on the Dune soundtrack, risking losing her voice, and Christopher Nolan typing Zimmer a fable on his dad’s typewriter for inspiration for the Interstellar score certainly adds an extra level of nuance and appreciation for the music.

Clocking in at just over two and a half hours, the concert absolutely flies by, as viewers are transported to numerous worlds and times. The production and sound design really is truly outstanding, resulting in a totally euphoric experience – particularly in the transcendental closing moments of “Time” from Inception. Whether it’s the perfectly timed bass with the light show during The Dark Knight suite, the Dune dancers hidden amongst the crowd, or the drummers interspersed throughout the arena for euphoric The Lion King suite, it’s also clear to see that there’s been so much effort and passion poured into the show.

With insightful interviews as well as an incredibly immersive, visceral performance. Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert is a must-see for film fans and certainly one of the best big screen concert films yet. This is a true celebration of the iconic composer and the power of music in the movies.