The feeling of walking out of a three-hour-long movie is indescribable. Sometimes, the movie is absolute garbage and makes you snooze. Other times, the movie is so visually captivating that it keeps you thrilled for those three hours and keeps you yearning for more. The newly released “Dune: Part Two”, the second movie in a two part adaptation of the 1965 novel, Dune by Frank Herbert, is certainly one of the few movies that has been able to achieve this incredible feat. “Dune: Part Two” is the gift that keeps on giving, with a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and 8.9 score on IMDB. On top of critical acclaim, it has grossed over five hundred million dollars domestically and internationally in two weeks, significantly more than its predecessor “Dune” ever made. These fantastic numbers are no accident.
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the epic sci-fi sequel is packed with a star studded cast with the likes of Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh and Austin Butler, making the perfect recipe for success. It was exactly what action enthusiasts needed after a series of subpar movies in the genre thus far this year.
The setting of the film is in the planet of Arrakis, a desert planet with extreme harsh conditions but with rich deposits of spice, a drug that extends life and builds metal. Following the end of the first movie, the Atreides family loses their political prominence in Arrakis.
The second movie of the series sees Paul Atreides, played by Timothee Chalamet and his mother seeking refuge in the desert, where they join forces with the Fremen, a native group on Arrakis split into two factions, after escaping from the capital, Arrakeen. The Southern faction believes in a messianic prophecy that will save them, while the Northern faction is more skeptical. Stilgar, a leader among the Fremen, sees Paul and his mother as fulfilling this prophecy. Lady Jessica embraces the Southern beliefs, while Paul aligns with the Northern group to fight against the Harkonnen. Amidst these events, Paul develops a deep connection with Chani, a Fremen, played by Zendaya, adding a compelling romantic subplot that enhances the overall narrative. Their on-screen chemistry is captivating, avoiding clichés, and seamlessly integrating into the story’s progression.
Apart from the plot itself which is solid, the cinematography by Greig Fraser is really what makes the movie. The captivating shots of the Planet Arrakis and the desert, immerses the viewer and really brings the novel to life. Not just the cinematography but also the special effects used are effective in portraying the story, unlike the excessive visual effects present in other science fiction movies. This is something Dune does well; the cinematography, soundtrack, CGI and the plot all work synergistically; attesting to the incredible filmmaking ability of Dennis Villenueve.
However, a criticism that I have is the ending. For my taste, it is a little anticlimactic, unconvincing and not satisfying. The ending consists of Paul Atreides and the Fremen people who are completely outgunned against a technologically superior Imperial army led by the Harkonnens. The final duel between Feyd-Rautha and Paul Atreides also feels rushed and does not deliver the satisfaction that I was expecting. It feels that Paul’s father was never fully avenged despite Paul killing Feyd-Rautha in the final battle and taking the throne.
