Following Denis Villeneuve’s Dune (2021), comes one of the most hotly anticipated followups in Dune: Part Two, which finishes out the space epic one-two punch with a hefty wallop of cinematic bravado. If Part One put the pieces on the chessboard and saw the first moves made, Part Two sees the pieces strategically moving and expanding in number, leading up to one grandiose finale of a battle.
HE WHO CONTROLS THE SPICE, CONTROLS THE UNIVERSE
When the film begins, we waste no time getting into the thick of things; there’s no recap or flashback to Part One at the beginning (so make sure you rewatched it recently). Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) has joined the ranks of the native Fremen of Arakkis, alongside his pregnant mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson). Seemingly the only survivors of House Harkonnen’s massacre of House Atreides, they’ve no choice but to survive how they can, and they have every intention of bringing down House Harkonnen, for one reason or another.
While on the surface the plot largely centers around the Fremen taking back Arakkis from House Harkonnen, the main conflict really arises from the dissonance between Paul and Lady Jessica’s differing motives. As a Bene Gesserit, Lady Jessica believes she must carve a path for her son to fulfill a prophecy – while Paul struggles with his prescience as he wants to liberate the planet without potentially destroying the lives of millions. This is complicated even more by his growing fondness for Chani (Zendaya).
Ultimately it all builds toward a spectacular final act of war, and it’s a sight to behold… but it’s honestly not even the meat and potatoes of this film. What is, you ask? A thickly woven, epic story of a boy-turned-man with the universe on his shoulders, featuring heavy themes of corrupt eugenics, zealotry, and theocracy. I know, I know… that doesn’t sound as fun as swords and guns and worms and all that. – which is there by the way. I just want to drive the point home to not expect a film full of just epic battles. It’s the hefty story here that both differentiates it from Part One, and makes it a well worthwhile experience.
HOUSES OF DUNE
Dune: Part Two is filled to the brim with fantastic performances, but what really surprised me is the one given by its leading man. Chalamet is truly the star of the show here. While he gives a quiet, composed performance throughout most of the film, he evolves into an absolute powerhouse to be reckoned with. It’s his time in the third act that really defines why he can portray Paul Atreides like few others could. Chalamet simply commands authority with finesse.
I was similarly taken aback by Ferguson’s return to the role of Lady Jessica – as she leans even more into her manipulative Bene Gesserit mannerisms and really shines. While Zendaya’s role as Chani in Part One was an extremely minor one, she’s back in Part Two, fulfilling Villneuve’s promise of more time in the spotlight – and she definitely brings the most heart out of anyone.
On the flip side of things, Austin Butler provides a more than worthy adversary for Paul in his turn as the psychotic Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. His introduction will remain a memorable one, efficiently showing his violent, crazed nature – and his unpredictable presence is felt in the remainder of his scenes as well. Stellan Skarsgård is menacing just as before, but the other real standout is actually Dave Bautista as Rabban Harkonnen. Bautista has a real strength in harnessing his character’s insecurities and transmuting them into fiery rage.
And I would be remiss not to mention Florence Pugh, who plays Princess Irulan. While she was given the same sort of promise from Villeneuve that Zendaya received with an initial minor appearance and a following major one, Pugh actually features a good bit more than I expected her to in Part Two. Her character has an inquisitive and elegant nature about her that makes her extremely engaging, and I can’t wait to see more of her in a potential Dune: Messiah.
DESERT POWER
While Part One felt fairly balanced with its use of settings, buckle up for Part Two… I hope you like sand. The bulk of this film is set in the middle of the desert of Arakkis, which can feel just a bit drab at times. When we’re introduced to House Harkonnen’s home planet of Giedi Prime, it’s most definitely a welcome change, wielding a sleek monochrome atmosphere. Don’t get me wrong though – the desert is still beautifully shot, thanks to DP Grieg Fraser.
Both production design and costume design are on point just as in the previous film, and it all stands out vividly, especially when fully embracing the sci-fi weirdness.
Hans Zimmer supplies yet another fitting score, although I find that it tends to be a bit devoid of any unique personality in a lot of big moments. One exception is a particularly riveting piece that incorporates a low electric chugging that sounds straight out of DOOM. Some of the quieter pieces have fantastic uses of strings and choruses, with the growls of a didgeridoo adding a delicious extra flavor.
Just as memorable as the music though is the sound. The sheer power of Shai-Hulud barreling through the dunes of Arakkis reverbated not just through my ears, but my entire body, as it literally shook the ground beneath me in IMAX.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Dune: Part Two is an astounding cinematic achievement, serving as an epic sequel with massive scale and even larger themes. Chalamet commands his role as Paul Atreides in a powerful manner, while nearly every other star is on their A-game as well. While not as visually striking through-and-through as Part One, it’s easy to look past with how much more weight is put into the plot and themes – although there are absolutely still spectacular experiential moments abound. Don’t hesitate to see it in theaters; Dune: Part Two is a beast of a film that’s not to be missed.
Dune: Part Two releases in theaters on March 1, 2024. Check out the trailer below.
All images courtesy of Warner Bros.