‘Dune: Part Two’- Film Review: Long Live the Fighters and Denis Villeneuve

Even after two and a half years, it’s still amazing how filmmaker Denis Villeneuve managed to transform one of the most complex and acclaimed books ever written—almost unfilmable—into the sci-fi spectacle it intended to be. Nobody doubted Villeneuve, but Dune was on another level for a blockbuster released in theaters during the pandemic and streamed simultaneously on HBO MAX. Because of that, fans have long been waiting for the much-anticipated follow-up Dune: Part Two, which was a blessing when they announced it. The first was my favorite film of 2021 despite never reading Frank Herbert’s 1965 book, and I became utterly entranced with its dense world-building that felt so fresh from my perspective. Do I happen to trust anyone who doesn’t like it or says it’s “boring?” Nope, simple as that. With this being the second half of the source material, it was hard to question if this would surpass those expectations that would leave me wanting more in a good way. Throughout those nearly three hours, it’s almost a miracle to discover that we have a sequel that defines epic beyond comparison.

What’s the Story: Picking up where the last left off, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his pregnant mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), have been living among the Fremen after the Harkonnens buried House Atreides to the ground on the desert planet of Arrakis. Taking revenge on those who destroyed his family is in place, but Paul wants to know the ways of the Freman when most believe he’s the chosen one who can present a terrible future he can only foresee. Meanwhile, the Harkonnens want to control Arrakis and the spices, killing the remaining Atreides and gaining the attention of the Emperor (Christopher Walken)

Could someone with so much versatility like Villeneuve, who was wrongfully snubbed for a Best Director nomination, outdo himself to expand this world? Answer: A resounding yes. After rewatching the original the day before, I found that they’re almost different compared to the two. Whereas the first took its time to build in learning who these characters are graciously and the politics (the feeling of what a part one should be), Dune: Part Two establishes that here but with the bonus of finding a deeper meaning for what they stand for, giving what we loved before to more extensive and bolder heights.

It also helps to know he and co-writer Jon Spaihts return to write the script that relies on a story that not only attempts to stay accurate to the book but has so much to unpack here that might have those unfamiliar feel confused with minor character growths. This continues that slow burn, yet not in a way that bored me when we stay with them for long periods. When it dives into the world of Arrakis once again, it’s more layered with its mythology, the allegorical theme of believing that Paul is this prophecy to the Fremen, and how one man can change the faith of many. Who would’ve thought I got that? It’s an ongoing motif in big-budget pictures, but it goes out of its way to make Paul unsure whether he’s the one.

With a returning cast and newcomers to the franchise, everyone brought their A-game, with no weak performances. Timothée Chalamet, as Paul, delivered one of his best performances in years, allowing him to showcase the range we haven’t seen from him until now. We’re seeing this character go from this young prince who had everything taken from him to a hopeful leader wanting revenge for his father yet is reluctant if he desires to be part of the Freman or be the savior to save everyone. Chalamet brought a more emotional presence to Paul’s journey that’ll get people onboard more than before.

Zendaya gets more time on-screen as Chani since most were bummed by her limited screen time in the first film, and she stood out as the anchor to the film, sharing some great chemistry with her co-star as we come to see Chani care more about Paul than we initially thought and her personal beliefs with her fellow people. For the rest of the supporting cast, Rebecca Ferguson expands her role as Lady Jessica if you read the novel, Josh Brolin gets more to do as Gurney, Dave Bautista as Beast Rabban is more pissed off this time, and Javier Bardem adds some unexpected levity as the Fremen leader, Stilgar.

As for the new cast, I almost forgot Austin Butler was in this, and what a spin to put on the character of Feyd-Rautha, the nephew of the Baron. If he needed a particular performance after his Oscar-nominated portrayal of Elvis Presley, call this a complete 180 as he transformed himself into this fearsome psychopath who won’t hesitate to kill someone without a flinch. One of the most unforgettable villains in a long time, with casting right on the money. I would’ve loved to see more of Christopher Walken and the lovely Florence Pugh as Emperor Shaddam IV and his daughter Princess Irulan, but they still fit right into the presence of who they represent. Walken surprisingly had a very subtle performance that subverted my expectations.

Suppose there’s one thing to say about the spectacle. In that case, it never fails to impress with its technological accomplishments in bringing this to life—everyone who worked on the previous installment returned to create the ultimate feast for the eyes. Was it a shock that the first won six Oscars? This type of movie with a $190 million budget never appeared artificial as if Arrakis existed in our vast cosmos that can be inhabitable. And yes, there is a lot of sand, but that’s the beauty.

Part Two offers more action than some will anticipate than its predecessor, even when Villeneuve focuses on enriching the characters when balancing both. When it combines the beautiful cinematography work from one of my favorite DPs, Greg Fraiser, the jaw-dropping visual effects, sound design, and another excellent Hans Zimmer score, it’s what dreams are made of when you’re a sci-fi geek. From the Fremens defeating the Harkonnens with everything they have, a black-and-white arena battle, or feeling like you’re riding the massive sandworm, you notice the scope more than ever when witnessing this on the big screen. All of that is enough to recommend seeing this in IMAX highly. The third act had me at the edge of my seat as though it almost had the same effect as watching the Battle at Helm’s Deep from the Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, leaving me in awe.

This was only my fourth trip to the theater since the year began when there have been few offerings, and while the last few movies I’ve seen were downright underwhelming, something told me this would get me out of my funk to write an actual review in almost a month. The fact we didn’t get this last fall because of the strike still irks me since Warner Bros. could’ve released it in December, taking Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom‘s place instead. But it was worth the wait since we couldn’t ask for anything more. How it would’ve done this past awards season is more challenging when it had to compete against Oppenheimer. Not many sci-fi sequels have come to defend the original. Now, I can see Part Two ranked among the best alongside The Empire Strikes Back and Avatar: The Way of Water. Right when it ended, not only did I have to catch it again, but I hope we’re getting the third movie, Messiah, sooner than we think. In Villeneuve we trust to take us into something spectacular for what comes next.

Overall, Dune Part Two sees Denis Villeneuve continuing to breathe new life into Frank Herbert’s work with one of the most impressive sci-fi sequels in years. Surprisingly surpassing the first in all aspects (which I still love more than most), believe me when I say this set the bar high in another thought-provoking story to have non-fans fully invested, surrounded by more action and astonishing visual work throughout.