Chances are, this won’t be the first Dune: Part Two review you’ve encountered online. But hopefully, it’ll be the last.
When Denis Villeneuve’s Dune graced the big screen back in 2021, he had effectively accomplished what had been deemed impossible — by adapting Frank Herbert’s “unadaptable” novel.
This year, the visionary auteur of Sicario and Blade Runner 2049 acclaim hasn’t just delivered on the promise his very name now invokes — he’s upped the stakes considerably with an even bolder instalment, redefining the well-established parameters of blockbuster cinema in the process.
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Believe me when I say, despite the fact we’re only in February, Dune: Part Two has already cemented itself as the greatest film of 2024.
The sci-fi genre’s answer to both Lawrence of Arabia and Apocalypse Now seamlessly picks up the story where it left off three years ago: in the immediate aftermath of the Harkonnens’ brutal ambush against House Atreides.
Vouched for by tribal leader Stilgar (Javier Bardem), Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) and his Bene Gesserit mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) take refuge with the Fremen.
The natives of Arrakis are divided on the matter of the exiled duke. Some believe him to be the “Muad’Dib” (a messiah-like figure prophesied in their culture), while others treat the off-worlder with a natural air of suspicion.
In time, through a combination of Lady Jessica’s religious propaganda and Paul’s own heroism, they earn unanimous acceptance as the Reverend Mother and a bona fide Fedaykin (i.e. Fremen guerrilla fighter), respectively.
But the rise of young Paul proves to be far more complicated than avenging his fallen father Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac). As his deeds fast becomes legend, he find himself reluctantly thrust toward a fateful destiny. One that sets him directly on a collision course with Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard); his psychotic nephew and heir apparent, Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler); the Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken).
And one that entails a bloody jihad which promises to wipe out billions across the known universe.
Dune: Part Two is — without any exaggeration or hyperbole — a visual feast. Between Villeneuve’s direction and the sumptuous cinematography of Australian-born talent Greig Fraser (Rogue One, Zero Dark Thirty, The Batman, The Creator), there wasn’t a single millisecond throughout its objectively lengthy two-hour-and-47-minute runtime in which we could tear our eyes away.
The visual dialogue of Villeneuve’s precise world-building… the epic-scale action sequences… the masterful blend of practical effects (i.e. miniatures, pyrotechnics, wire stunts) and special effects… this was a cinematic spectacle of the highest order, and one that left a deep impression.
Coupled with an exceedingly rousing score accomplished by the one and only Hans Zimmer, this complete sensory experience is one that we anticipate will remain unrivalled for years to come (à la 1993’s Jurassic Park). Minor spoiler: that sequence in which Chalamet’s Paul Atreides rides his first sand worm was nothing short of breathtaking.
Now that isn’t to say Dune: Part Two was perfect.
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While it certainly contributed to the payoff of the climax, at times, the story languished in its own pacing. Particularly when it came to Paul’s Campbellian refusal of the call; grappling with both his fate as some holy annihilating force and the premonitions of his forthcoming destruction.
The depiction of Paul’s romance with fellow Fedaykin Chani (Zendaya), on the other hand, was an aspect of the plot which suffered from a lack of attention and felt altogether thin. It was to the point that the would-be stakes of their relationship, which was unsubtly spoonfed to us rather than being allowed to blossom on-screen, were lost in the chaos; and thus, borderline inconsequential.
Still, if you only go to the movies to see one film this year, definitely make sure it’s Dune: Part Two. And definitely hunt for the biggest screen possible.
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two officially premieres here in Australia next week (February 29th, 2024) — check out the official plot synopsis and trailer below.
