By Kirsten Coachman
[Ed. note: Key plot points are discussed below.]
In a word, filmmaker Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” is epic.
Finally hitting theaters this weekend, the film makes good on Chani’s (Zendaya) promise to Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet)—and the audience—from 2021’s “Dune.” The first film, indeed, was only the beginning.
This latest chapter follows Paul as he integrates himself with the Fremen to battle the Harkonnen following the fall of House Atreides, which claimed his father’s life, Duke Leto. While the Fremen are initially wary, Paul begins to win them over as he fights beside them to prevent their mutual enemy from succeeding in harvesting spice on Arrakis, eventually even considering him a fellow Fedaykin after proving his mettle.
Though Paul Atreides is believed to be dead by the enemy, his chosen Fremen name, “Muad’Dib,” after the adorable desert kangaroo mouse, becomes something of a legend across Arrakis and the Imperium as a whole.
Paul’s mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), is tapped to become the Reverend Mother, and the Bene Gesserit uses her influence to stir the pot. She tells her Fremen followers to share what they’ve seen and heard about the supposed Lisan al Gaib—an off-world messiah—that factions of the Fremen believe has indeed arrived in Paul.
Even though Chani wants to see Paul find his way among her people and the desert, these spice-crossed lovers may not last. Chani firmly stands devoted to the Fremen, opposing what Paul represents to those who believe the prophecy of Lisan al Gaib.
Though Paul is cautious of entertaining this prophecy, his dreams continue to haunt him. He sees a silhouette of a woman leading him through a desert where people are dying en masse and is putting together what that could mean for his future in Arrakis.
The Fremen’s continued takedown of the Harkonnen results in another young man rising to power—the Baron’s (Stellan Skarsgård) nephew, Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler). The growing conflict between the Fremen and the Harkonnen ultimately comes to a head with a showdown for the ages.
All this to say, a lot is going on, with the film’s opening line setting the tone, “Power over spice is power over all.” Villeneuve throws a lot of information and story at the audience, which is done in a way that is earned and digestible—especially for those unfamiliar with Frank Herbert’s book. More importantly, it all serves a purpose in moving the story forward, starting with the number of new faces on screen.
Along with Butler, the record-keeping Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) and her father, the Emperor (Christopher Walken), make their on-screen appearances in “Dune: Part Two.” Lady Margot Fenring (Léa Seydoux), a cunning Bene Gesserit, also joins the ranks.
With the stakes raised in “Dune: Part Two,” the performances—across the board—rise to the occasion.
Chalamet, in particular, cements himself as a bonafide sci-fi action star as his character carries on the Atreides name in Arrakis. His action scenes, from fighting the Harkonnen to catching a ride on Shai-Hulud, look instinctive and self-assured. Though Paul is distressed over what his dreams are trying to show him, Chalamet imbues the young Atreides with a certain thoughtfulness as Paul considers what path to take.
Chani plays a much larger role in this installment, as the character senses that Paul is genuine in his desire to learn the ways of the Fremen despite how others feel about him. Zendaya navigates the different facets of her character with nuance, from the somewhat tough exterior Chani puts forth as Fedaykin to the quieter, more vulnerable moments between her and Paul.
Butler disappears into Feyd, embodying the young Harkonnen in such a way that exudes an overall fierceness in how he moves, whether running a blade down his tongue or battling the remaining Atreides. When Ferguson’s Lady Jessica takes the Water of Life and begins to shake and jolt on screen, it’s like something straight out of a horror movie. Both actors deliver on their characters’ respective intimidation factors throughout the film as they put forth performances that are truly terrifying.
The film’s MVP is Javier Bardem, whose character, Stilgar, adds levity to the film. Stilgar is key to Paul’s integration with the Fremen. Even as a believer of Lisan al Gaib, Stilgar still puts Paul through his paces, including when it comes to riding a sandworm, where he tells the outsider beforehand plain as can be, “Shai-Hulud decides today if you become Fremen or if you die.” In a film that is centered on control and how it will affect the masses, a sprinkle of Stilgar’s lighter side throughout the film goes a long way.
And while the performances are a significant part of what makes “Dune: Part Two” an absolute must-see, the visuals are a pure delight to the senses. Director of Photography Greig Fraser flexes his mastery of his craft through stunning sequences, such as Paul and Chani sand walking at night through worm territory and later in the film as Paul makes his way to the war council, walking through the masses. Additionally, the combination of practical and visual effects allows the audience to get an authentic feel for the desert—including the monstrous-sized sandworms—of Arrakis and the stark Harkonnen capital of Giedi Prime.
Another standout was the fight choreography, especially when Feyd comes face-to-face with Paul later in the film. At this point, it has been established how ferocious Feyd is against his opponents, and Paul is no slouch when it comes to fighting, either. The film’s fight and stunt teams created a well-crafted and memorable moment between the actors and their characters, and Butler and Chalamet sure can dance. While Feyd’s and Paul’s fighting styles are distinct, they find a great rhythm in their movements as they battle it out.
Make no mistake, “Dune: Part Two” is remarkable from start to finish. It’s an absolute feat for all involved.
This writer’s recommendation? See it on the biggest screen you can find.
“Dune: Part Two” is now playing in theaters.