Dune: Part Two Movie Review

Dune: Part Two Review

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re reviewing “Dune: Part Two.” Although we will touch upon a few plot points already revealed in the trailers, we’ll otherwise be keeping this review spoiler-free.

“Part One” might’ve been omitted from the title, but Denis Villeneuve’s first “Dune” picture was only the beginning. Splitting up the source material was integral to adapting Frank Herbert’s dense novel. Yet, “Dune” didn’t feel like an incomplete picture. It immersed us in the universe Herbert created, juggling worldbuilding, character introductions, and a grand story. That said, Villeneuve was indeed just dipping his toes in the sand. With “Dune: Part Two,” he summons the sandworm and hooks us in for a spectacular ride. Despite not drastically changing the setting, Villeneuve has made a follow-up that’s every bit as visually invigorating as its predecessor. It’s in the narrative where “Part Two” exceeds “Part One,” taking us to deeper, more complex places.

The film picks up where we left off as Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) seek refuge with the Fremen. Some, like Javier Bardem’s Stilgar, see Paul as a Messiah. Others see a false profit whose life will inevitably be claimed by the desert. We’ve seen the “chosen one” archetype in countless stories with Paul Atreides sometimes being a go-to example. Many have grown tired of this trope, especially when it runs the risk of venturing into “white savior” territory. “Dune: Part Two” fortunately avoids these pitfalls, developing Paul into an antihero of sorts rather than a clean-cut savior. This amounts to a more compelling journey for those who haven’t read the books, leaving them to question if Paul is the One.

Even if the prophecies are true, “Dune: Part Two” takes a page from Scorsese’s “The Last Temptation of Christ,” showing that even a chosen one can have the imperfections that come with humanity. We can see why people would follow Paul into battle. Even as he comes into his power, though, we understand why others would remain doubtful. The story spotlights Paul’s merciful and diplomatic side, but something darker lurks underneath. It’s not a question of whether Paul will accept his role as Messiah. It’s whether he’ll lead his followers to prosperity, misuse his influence over others, or land somewhere in the middle. Chalamet does an exceptional job of capturing Paul’s nuanced facets in a performance that ranges from quiet to commanding.

his is just as much Zendaya’s show. After only being teased in the first picture, Zendaya stands tall as Chani, who’s elevated above simply being Paul’s love interest. Paul and Chani do have a natural chemistry, leading to some of the film’s most likable exchanges. Romance isn’t the only thing at stake, however. Zendaya turns in some of her most layered work as a woman torn between the one she loves and her unyielding beliefs. While Chani isn’t afraid to speak her mind, there are some equally powerful moments where she forces herself to hold her tongue. These characters might find themselves in extraordinary situations, but “Dune: Part Two” is surprisingly genuine in its portrayal of relationships, especially when religion and politics enter the mix.

Although Chalamet and Zendaya are at the movie’s core, “Dune” is the definition of an ensemble piece. Ferguson, one of our most underrated actresses, takes Lady Jessica to increasingly fascinating places. Stellan Skarsgård continues to have a ball as the Baron while Dave Bautista reminds us there’s much more to him than Drax. “Part Two” also makes way for newcomers like Austin Butler, who erases all traces of his Elvis voice to play the sinister Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. The film may leave you wanting more of certain players, namely Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, although that’s what we have sequels for. For now, virtually everyone fits the bill. Even Christopher Walken restrains some of his usual Walken-isms, delivering an effective performance as Emperor Shaddam IV.

Once again tying it all together is Denis Villeneuve. “Visionary director” is a phrase that’s often tossed around too liberally, although it’s hard to think of a better way to describe Villeneuve. Herbert’s novel has been called “unfilmable” for various reasons. Villeneuve not only puts that debate to rest, but he’s molded Arrakis into a locale that feels inhabitable. We’ve now spent two movies on a planet dominated by sand with limited colors. On paper, you wouldn’t think that would lend itself to a visually interesting experience. The characters even talk about how they’d like to escape Arrakis in pursuit of paradise. While Villeneuve doesn’t shy away from Arrakis’ bleak, unforgiving nature, every shot is breathtaking, unearthing the desert’s unusual beauty.

Will Villeneuve receive a Best Director nomination from the Academy after shockingly going overlooked last time? If Villeneuve is ignored again, it’ll only intensify his reputation as the next Christopher Nolan, “Dune” being his “Dark Knight” trilogy. Like Nolan, the Academy may be slow to fully embrace Villeneuve, but he’s among the few modern directors making movies that need to be experienced on the biggest screen possible. “Dune: Part Two” is sure to draw parallels to sequels like “The Empire Strikes Back” and “The Two Towers.” The discussion shouldn’t be restricted to the sci-fi and fantasy genres. Villeneuve has made a film in the tradition of classic Hollywood epics, a genre thought to be extinct until now.

Certain moments warrant comparison to the chariot race in “Ben-Hur” or the parting of the Red Sea in “The Ten Commandments.” “Lawrence of Arabia” is another inevitable example, and not just because both films have the desert in common. We often talk about how movies exist to transport us. Whether watching T. E. Lawrence trek across a desert or Paul Atreides ride a sandworm, both films practically invite the viewer into the screen with their massive scope. With a large scale comes a lengthy run time, but even at just under three hours, “Dune: Part Two” doesn’t feel overstuffed. The screenplay, which Villeneuve co-wrote with Jon Spaihts, keeps the plot moving with a balance of spectacle and conversations that are just as absorbing.

Although ultimately faithful to the source material, a handful of notable plot points are absent. As promised before, we won’t give away anything major. Let’s just say that while some elements may be missed, Villeneuve knew what to cut for the most part. As much as we make fun of David Lynch’s “Dune,” it’s not like Herbert’s novel was without a few goofy ideas that worked well enough on the printed page but just don’t translate well to film. “Dune: Part Two” does what every adaptation should, remaining true to its roots without being bound to every word as if it were sacred text. In that sense, this is the best “Dune” adaptation we could’ve asked for, even if it’s still only the beginning.

While Villeneuve has done the first book justice, you can sense an eagerness to dig into “Dune Messiah.” Time will only tell if Villeneuve returns to direct a third “Dune” picture, although he’s reportedly been working on a script. Until then, Villeneuve has more than satisfied our appetites with two of the most awe-inspiring and thought-provoking blockbusters of recent years, elevated by Hans Zimmer’s all-encompassing score. “Dune: Part Two” outdoes “Part One” while leaving room for Villeneuve to take this material to even more ambitious places. If this momentum is sustained, “Dune” will go down as one of cinema’s most treasured franchises with this second chapter standing out as another essential silver screen watch. WatchMojo is giving “Dune: Part Two” a 9.5 out of 10.

Are you excited for “Dune: Part Two?” Are there any other upcoming movies you’d like us to review? Let us know in the comments!