Dune: Part Two

Dune: Part Two Movie Review Rating:

Star Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler

Director: Denis Villeneuve

What’s Good: The action sequences, sandworms and the performances

What’s Bad: Tests your patience a bit

Loo Break: It’s a long movie, so take one only if you can’t control

Watch or Not?: Of course, YES!

Language: English

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 162 Minutes

User Rating:

The movie is based on Frank Herbert’s novel of the same name. It’s a sequel to the 2021 film, Dune. The Fremens save Paul and Lady Jessica Atreides. As Paul and Chani’s love story starts to take centre stage, the dangers from the north and the south keep on growing. From the spice power, the narrative shifts to prophecies that change the way we look at the Atreides family!

Dune: Part Two Movie Review: Script Analysis

Something like, “Power over spice is power over all”, comes before the film starts. The farther you get into the story, the clearer its message becomes. After all, the Fremen tribe fights for its rights because the Harkonnens are driven wild by their thirst for spice and control. We are captivated by the plot every hour of the 162-minute film, which flows naturally into three distinct segments. The second instalment of Dune continues right after the events of the first. Paul must show the Fremen his sincere desire to join their community. After a ten-minute action scene, we see Paul’s determination to discover how the Fremens live in the desert. His aim is clear – to seek revenge for his father’s death and be there for the Fremens when in need!

Denis Villeneuve subtly indicates that the plot would descend into obsessive devotion within the first hour, as we see Paul take on the Fremen’s practices. The second hour marks the start of the insanity. The story’s new antagonist, Feyd-Rauth Harkonnen, is introduced as Vladimir Harkonnen’s nephew. It was upsetting to see Feyd’s character fade until the final scene. The second hour will put your patience to the test as well, with an exploration of topics such as blind faith, prophecies, the love story of Paul and Chani, and much more.

Denis cleverly incorporates the plot with action scenes when the huge desert becomes monotonous. So much intrigue and anticipation is packed into the battle scenes between the Fremen and the Harkonnens. Even though weapons and machines are the standard fodder for battle scenes, it was splendid to see writers Denis and Jon Spaihts include sandworms as pivotal characters. A minor complaint I had with the first film was the relatively little time spent working with those magnificent creatures. By including them so effectively in Part 2, Denis has brought joy to many hearts!

During the final hour, the degree of religious extremism increases, and the effect of faith (or blind faith?) takes over from spice. In the last hour we see the first significant shift in Paul Atreides’ character. The last 30 minutes are filled with such intensity and riveting moments that you wish to rewatch Dune 2 to witness the insanity unfolding on screen.

Dune: Part Two Movie Review: Star Performance

Timothee Chalamet remains consistent with making us invested in Paul Atreides’ journey with his impeccable performance. Paul’s silence makes you wonder what’s on his mind, and his words make you think about what his visions and intentions are trying to convey. Like Paul, who goes to whatever lengths to establish his worthiness of being a part of the Fremen tribe, the Wonka actor’s conviction is evident throughout the film, especially towards the end. Zendaya’s Chani is such a wonderfully written character. The actress is a force to reckon with as Chani brings a much-needed sanity. Even when her eyes speak volumes, Zendaya’s words carry a punch.

Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, played by Austin Butler, is referred to as “psychotic” before his appearance. His insanity was on full display in his entry scene. But that’s about it for Austin’s character’s ability to wow. I was hoping Feyd-Rautha would provide something crucial, given how much his madness is emphasised in the promotions. That, however, does not occur until the very end. In her brief appearance as Princess Irulan, Florence Pugh delivers a solid performance. Princess Irulan brings one of the major twists in the tale that will significantly impact the third part. The rest of the cast is impressive throughout.