“Dune: Part Two” an action-packed epic science fiction sequel by director Denis Villeneuve took theaters by storm starting Feb. 29.
“Part One” was released in 2021 as a movie adaptation of the novel “Dune” by Frank Herbert and followed the path of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), the son of Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), as his family was assigned by the Padishah Emperor Shaddam (Christopher Walken) to the new world Arrakis in order to gain control of a psychedelic drug called Spice Melange. The movie ended in bloodshed as the former fief holder Baron Vladimir of House Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) ordered the murder of the duke.
The second movie continues with Paul and Lady Jessica fleeing into the desert and forming an alliance with the Fremen, the indigenous people of the desert. The Fremen believe that one day a messiah, who they call Lisan al Gaib, meaning The Voice from the Outer World, will come and save their planet and bring them to paradise. Some of the Fremen, specifically Stilgar (Javier Bardem), believe that Paul is the messiah who will bring them to prosperity.
“Dune: Part Two” is Paul’s journey as he explores his new fate and comes to terms with who he truly is. He has to balance who people want him to be and who he wants to be, all while trying to save his new home planet, friends and family from eternal suffering seen in his apocalyptic visions.
Chani (Zendaya) also returns as Paul’s will-they-won’t-they love interest. Chani is adamant in her beliefs that there is no messiah and the only people who can save Arrakis are the Fremen. For a while, Paul agrees and disputes that he could be the messiah the Fremen want. Later in the film, though, Paul believes himself to be the Lisan al Gaib, which causes a rift between the two.
The way Chani’s morals directly disagree with Paul’s as the movie progresses shows the depth of the film and her character. She and Paul both want peace for Arrakis, but they strive for freedom in different ways. Chani’s character is powerful in showing the incredible duality of freedom and how it can be achieved.
“Dune: Part Two” also includes many returning characters, including nephew to the baron Glossu Rabban (Dave Bautista) and Warmaster to the House Atreides Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin).
The movie also features a new character: the Baron’s youngest nephew Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler). Feyd-Rautha is the heir to the House Harkonnen and is a cruel, psychopathic yet cunning killer. Butler’s portrayal of this character is highly impressive. Gone are the pompadour and swagger from his portrayal of Elvis. Instead, he is transformed into a bald, remorseless antagonist to Paul and hopeful heir to the House Harkonnen in all his unnerving and intensely creepy glory.
Renowned film score producer Hanz Zimmer, known for popular soundtracks such as “The Dark Knight” and “The Lion King” continues to create beautiful scores in this incredible adaptation. Every composition in this movie helps to add to the story and move it along in a beautiful symphony of instruments.
The first movie set high expectations for its sequel by winning six Academy Awards and being nominated for Best Picture. It was also incredibly successful with box office earnings over $434 million. “Part Two” amassed $81.5 million during the opening weekend only in America.
Every scene felt authentic, and the character development, while seemingly out of character at times, ended up contributing to the overall plot and making sense in the end. Even with a run time around 2 hours and 46 minutes, there was never a dull moment. Every minute is filled with either action-packed fights, anxiety-inducing plans or just plain old good storytelling leading the viewer to hope that Villeneuve will keep expanding on this universe.
