Dune: Part Two (2024)

Movie Review: Dune: Part Two (2024)

Director: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken
Genre: Sci-Fi, Epic
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 2h 46m

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two is a monumental achievement in modern cinema, a sweeping sci-fi epic that not only lives up to the towering expectations set by its 2021 predecessor but surpasses them with breathtaking visuals, intricate storytelling, and a profound exploration of power, faith, and destiny. As the second half of Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal 1965 novel, Dune: Part Two completes the arc of Paul Atreides’ transformation while setting the stage for future installments. Clocking in at nearly three hours, the film demands patience but rewards it with an immersive experience that feels both timeless and urgently relevant.

The story picks up immediately after the events of Dune (2021), with Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), seeking refuge among the Fremen, the desert-dwelling natives of the planet Arrakis. Having survived the betrayal of House Harkonnen and the fall of House Atreides, Paul must navigate his role as a potential messiah figure while grappling with the weight of his visions of an impending galactic war. The film follows his integration into Fremen culture, his growing romance with Chani (Zendaya), and his reluctant ascent to leadership as he seeks to unite the Fremen against the oppressive forces of the Imperium and the spice-hungry Harkonnens.

Villeneuve’s direction is nothing short of masterful. He balances the sprawling scope of Herbert’s universe with intimate character moments, ensuring that the film’s grandiosity never overshadows its emotional core. The deserts of Arrakis, shot in Jordan and Abu Dhabi, are a character in themselves—vast, unforgiving, and mesmerizingly beautiful. Cinematographer Greig Fraser, who won an Oscar for the first film, elevates Part Two with visuals that are both painterly and visceral. From the golden hues of sandstorms to the stark, brutalist architecture of the Harkonnen homeworld, every frame is a work of art. The sandworm-riding sequences are particularly awe-inspiring, blending practical effects and CGI to create moments of heart-pounding spectacle that feel grounded yet otherworldly.

The screenplay, co-written by Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts, adeptly condenses Herbert’s dense novel while making thoughtful changes to streamline the narrative. One notable alteration is the expanded role of Chani, who emerges as a fierce, independent counterpoint to Paul’s messianic trajectory. Zendaya delivers a standout performance, bringing depth and vulnerability to a character who could have been relegated to a love interest. Her chemistry with Chalamet is palpable, grounding the film’s mythic stakes in a deeply human connection. Chalamet, meanwhile, continues to embody Paul with a delicate intensity, capturing his internal conflict as he wrestles with his destiny. His transformation from a grieving heir to a reluctant prophet is both subtle and seismic, a testament to his range as an actor.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Rebecca Ferguson’s Lady Jessica is haunting, her portrayal of a mother torn between love for her son and devotion to the Bene Gesserit’s machinations adding layers of moral ambiguity. Javier Bardem’s Stilgar, the Fremen leader, brings warmth and humor, though his unwavering faith in Paul as the prophesied Lisan al-Gaib underscores the film’s themes of manipulation and belief. Josh Brolin returns as Gurney Halleck, delivering grizzled gravitas, while new additions like Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan and Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam IV add political intrigue to the narrative. The standout villain, however, is Austin Butler’s Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, whose chilling charisma and ruthless ambition make him a formidable foil to Paul. Butler’s transformation—complete with a bald, pale visage and a menacing swagger—is nothing short of astonishing.

Hans Zimmer’s score is another triumph, blending pulsating percussion, ethereal vocals, and dissonant strings to create a soundscape that feels both alien and primal. The music amplifies the film’s emotional beats, from the quiet tension of Paul and Chani’s moments together to the thunderous chaos of the climactic battles. The sound design, too, is impeccable, with the rumble of sandworms and the hum of spice harvesters immersing viewers in Arrakis’ harsh beauty.

Thematically, Dune: Part Two is a meditation on the dangers of messianic figures and the seductive power of prophecy. Villeneuve leans into Herbert’s critique of savior narratives, portraying Paul’s rise as both inevitable and tragic. The film doesn’t shy away from the moral complexities of its source material, questioning the cost of power and the ways in which faith can be weaponized. This is particularly evident in the Fremen’s growing devotion to Paul, which Chani resists in a way that feels modern and resonant. The film’s exploration of colonialism, resource exploitation, and cultural appropriation—centered around the spice trade—also feels strikingly relevant, though Villeneuve avoids heavy-handed allegory.

If there’s a flaw, it’s that the film’s pacing can feel deliberate, particularly in its middle act, where Paul’s integration into Fremen society unfolds gradually. Some viewers may find the runtime daunting, and those unfamiliar with the first film or Herbert’s novel may struggle to keep up with the dense mythology. Additionally, while the film sets up future conflicts—particularly with the looming threat of Dune Messiah—it occasionally feels like a bridge to a larger story rather than a fully self-contained narrative. However, these are minor quibbles in the face of the film’s ambition and execution.

Dune: Part Two is a rare sequel that not only matches but exceeds its predecessor, delivering a cinematic experience that is both intellectually stimulating and visually breathtaking. It’s a testament to Villeneuve’s vision and the cast’s commitment that the film feels so cohesive despite its sprawling scope. For fans of the novel, it’s a faithful yet fresh adaptation; for newcomers, it’s an accessible entry into a richly imagined world. As the credits rolled, I found myself both satisfied and eager for more, a balance that few epics achieve. Whether you’re a sci-fi aficionado or simply a lover of bold storytelling, Dune: Part Two is a must-see, a film that lingers in the mind like the spice in the sands of Arrakis.

Final Verdict: 9/10. A visually stunning, emotionally resonant epic that cements Villeneuve as one of today’s greatest filmmakers. See it on the biggest screen possible.