‘Dune: Part Two’ Review
Stars: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Stellan Skarsgård, Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Charlotte Rampling | Written by Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts | Directed by Denis Villeneuve
With 2021’s Dune, co-writers Eric Roth, Jon Spaihts, and director Denis Villeneuve phenomenally brought to screen the vibrant world that Frank Herbert crafted in his 1965 novel. Dune: Part Two adapts the remainder of the iconic novel, taking place a few hours after the previous film’s climactic knife-fight.
On Arrakis, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), have united with the Fremen. Intending to learn their ways and become part of their army, Paul wishes to enact revenge on House Harkonnen for destroying his family – although he is rattled by visions of a terrible and bloodied future.
While the prior film enticed viewers into this compelling universe by focusing on world-building and political manoeuvring, this follow-up effectively streamlines what remains of the novel. This film’s focus is split between the impact of religion, as the prophecy is weaponized in order to fulfil the goals of House Atreides, and the weight of power, as characters repeatedly try one-upping their opponents regardless of how brutalist their methods become. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, although the question becomes what one will readily sacrifice to grasp such power.
What is key to this film is the tremendous cast, each contributing to the rich tapestry of this sand-swept epic. Chalamet exceptionally captures Paul’s struggle, as his thirst for vengeance is met with visions showing a horrific outcome. While reckoning with a prophecy that foretells great things for him, Paul is left questioning how far he will go for what he wants. His journey is mirrored in Feyd-Rautha, the bloodthirsty nephew of Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) whose future may lay towards greater things. Austin Butler does impressive work as the vicious heir who is handy with a blade, capturing a fine line between hate and love for his rival to Arrakis.
Standing tall as this film’s heart and soul is Chani, played tremendously by Zendaya. While many of the Fremen believe in the prophecy, with their beliefs even reinforced by Paul’s denial, Chani disbelieves what she sees as a method of control. The blossoming romance between the pair comes from who Paul is, with his potential for power not even factored into their romance, and it makes for an interesting pairing while offering fascinating departures from Herbert’s novel.
Between Hans Zimmer’s transportive score and Greig Fraiser’s gorgeous cinematography, these elements are vital in bringing this story to screen. From the character moments to the pulse-pounding spectacle, Villeneuve ensures that each frame feels vital across the 165-minute runtime, while subverting what could have been an ill-sighted white saviour narrative into a fully aware warning about following charismatic leaders. Dune Messiah will be eagerly awaited if Villeneuve manages to adapt it amidst Warner Bros’ pattern of deleting films, although the story told across these two features is satisfying enough without such an addition. Managing to be a magnificent piece of cinema, a heart-sinking character piece, and the adaptation that Frank Herbert’s story deserves, Dune: Part Two is an absolute triumph that’s ready to envelope viewers like a ravenous sandworm.
***** 5/5
Dune: Part Two is in cinemas now.
