In recent years, only a few science fiction films come to mind that are both as exhilarating and as much of a masterclass of creativity and perfection as “Dune: Part Two.” Returning to direct, write and produce, Denis Villeneuve once again amazes audiences with breathtaking visuals, gorgeous cinematography, unique sound design, wonderful production design and amazing worldbuilding.
Villeneuve’s triumphant work on “Dune” only adapted the first half of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel. Over the years, there have been numerous unsuccessful attempts to bring “Dune” to the big screen. In the 1970s, avant-garde filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky famously attempted to produce a 10 to 14 hour adaptation of “Dune.” The project was put on hold due to budgeting issues. After many other failures, renowned director David Lynch released a movie version of “Dune” in 1984 that was a commercial and critical failure, bombing in the box office and losing over $10 million.
The green light for “Dune: Part Two” was based on the success of “Dune.” As confident as he was in his direction of the story, Villeneuve expressed fear that “Dune: Part Two” would not be made, given Warner Bros. decision to release the 2021 version of “Dune” simultaneously in theaters and on their streaming service, Max. The film was confirmed shortly after its success in theaters and on the streaming service in late October with the company praising Villeneuve’s and his team’s vision. “Dune: Part Two” entered pre-production immediately following the announcement, with the majority of the main cast returning to their roles, including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson and Stellan Skarsgård and newcomers including Florence Pugh and Austin Butler. Filming lasted from July to December 2022.
“Dune: Part Two” immediately picks up where 2021’s “Dune” left off. Paul Atreides (Chalamet), the exiled duke of Arrakis, and his mother Lady Jessica (Ferguson), are the lone survivors of the House Atreides massacre at the hands of the antagonistic House Harkonnen during the climax of the last film. They have joined a faction of the Fremen people, natives of the desert planet led by warrior Stilgar (Javier Bardem).
The Fremen believe Paul is the chosen messiah in a prophecy that will bring prosperity to Arrakis and free them from the oppression of the Harkonnens. Paul wishes to undergo training in the ways of the Fremen, denouncing the prophecy in the hopes of gaining the trust and respect of those who believe the prophecy is false.
Love develops between him and the Fremen woman Chani (Zendaya) in the meantime. Paul begins to have visions of a holy war that would cause the deaths of millions should he gain power and go south with his mother to unite the other Fremen. Meanwhile, as the threat of the Fremen opposition grows, Baron Harkonnen (Skarsgård) entrusts his ruthless nephew Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler) to wipe them all out and secure spice harvesting on Arrakis.
“Dune: Part Two” is a flawlessly beautiful film from start to finish. While the beginning is a little slow, the film picks up the pace and is an astounding piece of cinema. With its enriching plot and themes that continue to build upon the richly detailed universe that “Dune” introduced, it brings forth a realistic take on science fiction. Through mixing real-world issues of our relationship with nature, the fight for resources, the dangers associated with a society’s reliance on religion and the sociopolitical undertones of fighting for disputed land, it’s a wonderfully crafted work that stays true to the original novel by Frank Herbert.
Additionally, the performances are all top-notch. Ferguson has a leading and cold presence on screen; Austin Butler’s cruel, eccentric portrayal is well done; and Zendaya’s mix of strong-willed leadership yet kind and tender abilities – and her realistic chemistry with Chalamet – all contribute to the most powerful scenes in the film.
What’s truly special, though, is Villeneuve as director. He captures the range that Timothée Chalamet is capable of as an actor in his performance as Paul, who is struggling with the prospect of being the chosen one and uniting the Fremen people as a revolutionary. It solidifies him as one of the leading actors of this generation and is, perhaps, his greatest, most diverse performance yet.
Villeneuve once again showcases how talented and genius he and his team are with “Dune: Part Two.” One man does not make a film; it is a collaborative effort of all departments and this film highlights that excellently in its groundbreaking story. If there is a film you need to experience in a cinema, it’s this one.
