‘Dune: Part Two’ Movie Review: Denis Villeneuve’s Epic Sci-Fi Two-Parter Is A Bombastic Experience
Photo from Warner Bros. Pictures
From Jeff Nelson
Denis Villeneuve is one of this generation’s most profound Hollywood blockbuster visionaries. In a big-budget landscape filled with spandex-wearing superheroes, he led the charge in bringing one of science fiction’s most notable novels to the silver screen, making it look even more expensive than it already is. Dune: Part Two follows in the footsteps of the book’s second half, expanding the scope, scale, and grandiose action spectacle to another level.
After the bloodbath on Arrakis, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his mother, Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), now live among the Fremen. They struggle to adjust to their differing customs and their status as outsiders. Paul develops a bond with Chani (Zendaya) along his path in seeking revenge on all those who participated in the annihilation of his family, putting his relationships and moral compass to the ultimate test.
Dune: Part Two makes good on its promise, expanding on the hierarchy within and beyond the antagonistic House Harkonnen. The theme of power runs deep, questioning the very definition of the word as it radiates from one setting to the next. Paul’s very survival undermines the Emperor’s (Christopher Walken) grasp on this universe. He’s willing to do anything necessary to maintain his power, while Paul rejects his own role as a savior to the Fremen, believing that leadership for the Fremen should come from within its ranks. Nevertheless, it’s a responsibility thrust upon him.
The unforgiving deserts of Arrakis define its inhabitants’ struggles, placing water as one’s greatest currency. A degree of nuance is given to the Fremen, differentiating one tribe from another within the context of religious devotion, or the lack thereof. Faith proves the most formidable asset within their forces, simultaneously acting both as Paul’s path to power and control, but also his greatest conundrum.
Power within the world of Dune is constantly expressed through showmanship and pride, which is especially conveyed through House Harkonnen’s ruthless Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler). The story primarily lives within the themes of the original novel, never truly breaking through broad characterizations that feel notably thin living within the expansive mythos that makes their interpersonal stakes feel small and unmoving.
Paul isn’t a particularly engaging character, but that’s entirely the commentary being made on the “chosen one” narrative. Chalamet plays him in line with the story’s themes, although he’s given much more to do here than in the film’s predecessor. The same can be said of Zendaya as Chani, although their romantic chemistry doesn’t shine as it should. Ferguson as Jessica and Javier Bardem as Fremen leader Stilgar are clear standouts. Butler is ferocious as Feyd-Rautha, easily shaking the baggage from prior roles. Notable names, such as Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and Léa Seydoux appear in smaller parts, although there isn’t a whole lot for them to do.
The top-notch crafts flex their muscles in every frame. From Jacqueline West’s breathtaking costume design to Hans Zimmer’s epic score and Greig Fraser’s astonishing cinematography, Dune: Part Two is a visual and audible marvel that fully immerses the audience in its world. The action spectacle is masterful, maintaining a stunning rhythm through battle sequences.
Dune: Part Two is a visually-monumental blockbuster that excels in cinematic spectacle. Similar to Part One, the characters remain paper-thin, lacking emotional depth. This isn’t necessarily an adaptation issue, but it does make for unengaging personal stakes. Nevertheless, the experience is a special one with a world worth investing in, and hopefully we will get the chance to see Villeneuve’s take on Dune: Messiah next.
Rating: 4/5
Dune: Part Two hits theaters on March 1st, 2024.
