Dune: Part II Review | Denis Villeneuve sets new standards for science fiction cinema

Denis Villeneuve follows up the dense spectacle of Dune with Dune: Part Two. It is a fascinating science fiction epic that hopefully sets a similar precedent for modern-day science fiction as Star Wars set in 1977.

As good as the first Dune film is, Dune: Part Two is a massive improvement in every way. Dune: Part Two retains the same measured pacing as the first film. However, Villeneuve and co-writer Jon Spaights choose the right moments to change the tone, add an action sequence or change the cinematography. There’s a surprising amount of levity in the film usually delivered by Javier Bardem that cuts the tension at just the right moments.

Dune: Part II delivers the best cinematography since The Batman. It should come as no surprise that Greg Fraser was the cinematographer in both films. The sun-soaked barren wasteland of Arrakis contrasts nicely with the monochromatic style used for the Harkonnens. Hans Zimmer‘s score confirms the only composer better at creating moving themes is John Williams.

Adding to Villeneuve and Fraser’s visuals is an impressive ensemble cast. There are plenty of newcomers to the franchise. Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, and Léa Seydoux are the standout new additions.

A sprawling cast can sometimes lead to a lack of focus. Dune: Part Two never loses sight of the fact this is Paul Atreides’s story. Even when the scene shifts away from Paul, Chani (Zendaya) and the Freman, the attention is still on the events taking place in Arrakis.

Following his charismatic, but quite different performance as Wonka, Timothée Chalamet delivers his best performance to date. What came across as angst in the first film, now feels like an inner struggle over what type of leader Paul will be. After spending most of the first film as a vision, Zendaya proves she’s forced to be reckoned with. Chani believes and loves Paul as a man, but doesn’t accept the prophecy that Paul is a messianic figure. The romantic relationship is tricky, but Chalamet and Zendaya manage to walk the tightrope.

Overall, Dune: Part Two is a cinematic achievement. If released as scheduled in 2023, Dune: Part Two would have eclipsed Oppenheimer as the best film of the year. In 2024, Dune: Part Two is easily the best so far and it’s tough to imagine any film will dethrone Villeneuve’s epic.

With the overview of Villeneuve’s sci-fi sequel complete, here’s a deeper, non-spoiler look at Part Two’s story. Dune is available to stream on Max.

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A leader emerges in Dune: Part Two

Part Two begins with Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) adapting to their new day-to-day with the Freman. Outside of Stilgar (Bardem), the Fremen aren’t particularly accommodating to the newcomers. Both earn their stripes.

Jessica earns hers by drinking the Water of Life. She inherits the memories of her ancestors. Meanwhile, Paul’s skills as a fighter earn him some goodwill while Stilgar’s faith in Paul as the prophesized savior of Fremen gives Paul an ally. Chani and several of the others don’t believe in the prophecy. However, Paul’s commitment to helping the Freman earns Chani’s respect and eventually love.

Throughout Part Two, Paul wrestles with the spice-powered visions of the future. He’s terrified of leading the Freman to their deaths and tries avoiding the northern section of Arrakis. However, a reunion with his mentor Gurney (Josh Brolin) provides more motivation and a way for Paul to avenge his father’s death.

In the first film, Paul plays a crucial part, but rarely drives the story forward. In Part Two, Chalamet commands the screen in every scene. He’s able to go from quietly contemplative to an expressive leader with impressive skill . Likewise, Zendaya can project so much emotion through her eyes and face. As Paul begins to change, you begin to see Chani wrestle with the type of leader Paul is turning into following his mother and Gurney’s advice.

The Bene Gesserit 

The Freman aren’t the only ones worried about the fate of House Atreides. The Bene Gesserit are also making plans. With Paul and Jessica’s apparent demise, the Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother sets her sights on a new man to lead. She sends an acolyte (Seydoux) to seduce Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen (Butler).

Meanwhile, Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken) is the emperor and head of House Corrino. Princess Irulan (Pugh) is his daughter. She comes across as rational and morally appalled at the Reverend Mother’s decision to select Feyd-Rautha. Shaddam IV is the man who ordered the Harkonnens to assassinate Leto Atreides.

Similar to Bardem’s role in part one, Pugh’s presence as Irulan is relatively small. Her appearance lays the groundwork for an expanded role in the next film. She’s on-screen just enough to reveal Irulan as a person with some morality and a pretty brilliant strategist.

House Harkonnen

The Harkonnens may have taken out the Atreides family. However, they’re struggling to control Arrakis. The Fremens’ gorilla tactics are throwing Glossu Rabban Harkonnen (Dave Bautista) for a loop. Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) is fed up with Rabban’s failures.

He turns over the military control to Feyd-Rautha. Baron’s youngest nephew is a madman with a weird sense of honor. For instance, Feyd-Rautha seems to want a fair fight but is a bit dismayed when his uncle reveals a combatant wasn’t drugged.

While there’s a bit of a struggle between Rabban and Feyd-Rautha, Rabban eventually follows Feyd-Rautha’s orders. Unfortunately, the Harkonnens don’t possess enough knowledge to conquer Arrakis which leads to a stunning confrontation orchestrated by Paul.

Dune: Part Two final thoughts

While the setting changes often in Dune: Part Two, all of the storylines stunningly converge on Arrakis. Impressive performances, stunning visuals and brilliant storytelling by Villeneuve lead to a modern sci-fi masterpiece without equal.

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