IN THE PLANET OF ARRAKIS where water can’t be wasted and saliva and tears are a source of life, Dune: Part Two’s spectacular attention to detail, grandeur visuals, and snappy pacing is a masterclass in the epic sci-fi genre. Absolutely nothing is wasted as Denis Villenueve continues our journey with Paul Atreides with sheer cinematic brilliance.
-Minor Spoilers-
The Desert’s The Stage
Dune: Part Two quickly picks up where Dune: Part One ended. Paul Atreides seeks to avenge the fall of House Atreides and the death of his father at the hands of the warmongering House Harkonnen. Paul along with his mother, the Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), is on the run for their lives as they try to assimilate with the Fremen people.
As the Atreides and Fremen culture collide, Paul must find a way to find the balance as he tries to become their Messiah or the Muad'Dib. Tensions collide but he finds allies in Chani (Zendaya) and the very likable devout warrior Stilgar (Javier Bardem). Chani builds a connection with Paul that eventually blooms into romance.
Tensions eventually build between the two as Paul seeks to gain political power in his goals to take the title of Emperor for himself. While my personal favorite in the movie was Javier Bardem’s Stilgar. Stilgar’s blind and fantical belief in the Muad’Dib fuels many of the comedic moments in Dune: Part Two.
Every single action that Paul does can be attributed to the writings of the native Fremen religion which has elements of Zen Buddhism, Sunni Muslim, and Christian Beliefs according to Stilgar as he whips his fellow Fremen into supporting Paul. Which leads me to believe that even if Paul rolls over in the sand, Stilgar will still shout with belief that it is written.
A talented cast
French actor extraordinaire Timotheée Chalamet continues to shine in regal and eccentric roles after his recent stint and successful portrayals as the English King Henry V and Willy Wonka, his return as Paul Atreides commanded a lot of gravitas and exuded his painful growth from reluctant son of Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) to the Messiah of the native Fremen people of Arrakis.
Joining him in Dune: Part Two is Christopher Walken as the Emperor and Florence Pugh as the Princess Irulan. While their screen time was limited, there is just something right about Christopher Walken playing an Emperor. With his accent, experience, and mannerisms he really should be playing more monarchs.
Florence Pugh’s Princess Irulan also had its charms as she strives to be more than just a hand to be given away for political alliances in her very demure portrayal. It’s a stark contrast from Pugh’s more outspoken role as the boisterous Yelena Belova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Seeing her range in Dune: Part Two was definitely a treat.
Skellan Skarsgård’s Baron Harkonnen is as uncomfortable as ever as he seeks power from the shadows. Joining him in Part Two is Austin Butler as an even creepier and more psychotic Fayd-Rautha Harkonnen. While watching him definitely raised goosebumps for me in the cinema his performance was definitely another standout in the movie.
Orchestrating Space Opera Magic
The world of Dune: Part Two is a strange one. Religion and traditions are a main part of the storytelling in the backdrop of the Planet Arrakis. The strange charm of the worldbuilding throughout and the direction of Denis Villenueve really come together in the nearly three hours of runtime.
While a refresher of checking out Dune: Part One is highly recommended with the amount of lore involved, it was definitely a memorable experience for fans and newcomers to the world of Frank Herbert alike.
The timeless music of Hans Zimmer comes alive once again, cinematographer Greg Fraiser is a magician with the lens, while Production Designer Patrice Vermette showcases a world that is utter eye-candy amidst the strangeness.
The ambition of Dune: Part 2 shines bright and Chalamet’s performance carries its banner well. Dune: Part 2 is a sci-fi epic you shouldn’t miss.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
