Dune: Part Two is a science fiction/adventure movie based on Frank Herbert’s series of novels with the same name. It came out in theaters on March 1, 2024 with a run time of 2hr 46 min. The movie follows Dune (2021) with the continuation of Paul Atriedes’s (Timothee Chalamet) journey with the Fremen to wage war against House Harkonnen.
The movie follows the aftermath of the massacre of House Atreides. The only living members, Paul and his mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), decide to go with the Fremen, the native people of the desert planet Arrakis. An old prophecy suggests that Paul may be the chosen one to lead the Fremen against House Harokken. While Fremen Chief Stilgar (Javier Bardem) believes this fully, other Fremen people like Chani (Zendaya) are wary of this tale. Chani was assigned to look after Paul and Lady Jessica and help them through the culture shift, which leads to the inevitable romance between Paul and Chani. As the movie progresses, Paul gains confidence in his abilities to lead and accepts his fate in hopes of defeating Harokken and gaining control of Arrakis’ spice industry.
For anyone that has not read any of the novels or seen the first movie, Dune: Part Two would not be the best introduction into Herbert’s universe. The movie picks up directly where the first one ended, so it would be extremely difficult to understand without watching them in order.
Although the film runs for almost three hours, it doesn’t feel like a long movie, and some Dune superfans believe that it could’ve been longer to include more of the novel’s original plot. For the average movie watcher, there is an adequate amount of action and violence. Most of the fighting surrounds House Harokken, members like Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler) and Glossu Rabban (Dave Bautista) show the brutality of the Harokkens.
As far as visual effects, costuming, and make-up, the film delivers excellently. Through the veils and powerful Arrakis suits, costume designer Jacqueline West brought the Duniverse to life. Similarly on the visual effects side, cinematographer Greig Fraser faced pressure to deliver after his Oscar win for Best Visual effects for the first film. Between the sandstorms, explosions, and light focused filming, I would say the Fraser met and exceeded expectations.
Stars such as Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya were expected after their primary roles in Dune. However, new characters introduced in part two meant a whole new supporting cast. Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, and Lea Seydoux are just a few of the additions, each one of them playing pivotal roles in the ending of Dune: Part Two.
After the success of the first film, director Denis Villeneuve faced pressure to deliver another Academy Award-winning film. Delays in production declared Dune: Part Two ineligible for the 96th Academy Awards, but it is sure to be a big winner in the new year.
Overall, if you are an avid science fiction fan or happened to get addicted to the series after the release of the first film, Dune: Part Two will not disappoint. From the cinematography, to the plot, to Timothee Chalamet’s ambiguous portrayal of Paul Atriedes, the movie was a hit from beginning to end.
Rating: 9.5/10
