FilmSnobReviews

Title: Dune: Part 2
MPA Rating: PG-13
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson
Runtime: 2 hrs 46 mins

What It Is: Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

What We Think: Almost two years ago, I called Denis Villeneuve’s Dune (or, Dune: Part 1) one of the best theatrical experiences one could ever have; pored over its outstanding visuals, sounds, and performances, lauded the execution of Villeneuve’s vision – ultimately looking very much forward to the second part of the story.

And now, finally, we return to Arrakis – where the shadows of the desert trace a dark current that ripples through an ocean of spice and sand under an eclipse of love and power. 

Picking up right where we left off in Dune, the story unfolds as Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) trudges into the culture of the Fremen; a tribe of warriors he and his mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) encountered in the final half of Part 1, where he befriends Chani (Zendaya), a young fighter who helps show him the ways of her people. The leader of their faction, Stilgar (Javier Bardem), claims he sees signs in Paul that grasp at the prophetical. Meanwhile, Jessica is thrust into an equally precarious position on which teeters the fates of many. The Harkonnen, who are unaware of the vital players surviving in the inhabitable outskirts of Arrakis, continue their attacks under the savage command of Beast Rabban (Dave Bautista)… and whispers are spread in their circles that Paul Atreides still lives. That’s how we’re sucked right back into the world of Dune.  

I find no need to delve into book/film comparisons. The novel is a timeless work so incredibly dense, filled with certain descriptive imagery and specific beats one could not possibly translate to the screen – thus Villeneuve, faced with this seemingly impossible task, cuts right to the heart of the story with his mastery of capturing the human soul on camera. The eyes of Paul Atreides shift throughout the course of Part Two, as the ones of the menacing Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler) open to us for the first time. Emotions run high during electric moments that take place under a blazing sun, sand-worms massive in both scale and significance. I deign to say much more about the colossal surprises and events that occur in and outside of Part Two’s trailers, nor do I want to give any high expectations. I will only say this – take my sentiment about the experience of watching Dune in a theater being the best one could have and amplify it tenfold. 

After the year of Oppenheimer’s “Oppenhomies”, Dune: Part Two boasts a terrific cast. Along with returning members, the likes of Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Christopher Walken and Léa Seydoux join an already brilliant ensemble. Everyone settles back into their roles comfortably, some being introduced (or re-introduced) with vigor and others becoming profoundly more complex and conflicted. All pieces move forward, as the setup of Part 1 is over – Part 2 feels much more theatrical and grandiose. 

Cinematographer Greg Fraser delivers glorious visuals through an interesting technique; by printing the digital IMAX footage into 35mm film, the worlds, action, and faces of Dune: Part 2 are shown through breathtaking colors in an equally awesome scale. For if the pace may sometimes lull, there is more to look forward to this time – more action and daring capers to enjoy alongside a thorough arc that builds in momentum until crashing into the final act with a satisfying fervency. 

Our Grade: A+; It’s a smashing blockbuster with the zeal of Hamlet. Whereas Part 1 was when we all set foot on Villeneuve’s Arrakis for the first time, Part 2 leads us on an unforgettable dance into its soul. Or, on a worm ride. Either one will more than suffice, as Dune: Part 2 completes this otherworldly trek in spectacular fashion.