Love, Vengeance and Prophecy Collide in Immersive Epic ‘Dune 2’

Dune: Part Two dives straight into action, sparing no time for pleasantries. This sequel doesn’t coddle the audience with a gentle transition from its predecessor but instead plunges directly into the thick of its narrative. With much to accomplish and even more at stake, in a runtime of just under three hours, Dune 2 resumes the epic journey of Paul Atreides from the very start. 

Dune, like most introductory fantasy films, didn’t carry enough action for some movie-goers. Whenever we enter a new world, we need the film to lay the foundation so we can better understand the story. Except, with Dune, although they spent an entire film attempting to answer the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the world, it still seemed somewhat confusing. 

Dune: Part Two carries a similar style and with so much action, it can be difficult to find one’s footing when the film begins. It’s the difference between Star Wars and its sequel The Empire Strikes Back. While many fans loved the first film, things really cook once you get to the second. Dune: Part Two is a sequel purposed by greed, lineage, power, and prophecy. 

We’re on Arrakis. Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet; Wonka) along with his mother Bene Gesserit Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson; Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning) have been granted safe passage with the Fremen.  

After wiping out House Atreides, Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård; Andor) attempts to resume spice harvesting but the Fremen render it impossible. When Rabban (Dave Bautista; Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) fails to get spice production back on track, the sadistic Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler; Elvis) is charged with the task. 

Maybe you can be Fremen. Maybe I’ll show you the way.

– Chani

Meanwhile, Paul learns the ways of the Fremen, and his relationship with Chani (Zendaya; Spider-Man No Way Home) grows. Yes, we finally get our fill of Chani after being teased with her presence throughout the first film. Chani, unlike the rest of the Fremen, doesn’t believe in the prophecy. She knows the prophecy was planted by the Bene Gesserit and encourages Paul’s resistance to it. As Paul gains the respect of the people of the desert, more and more believe that he is the savior from “the outer world”. And while Paul still rejects the prophecy, he doesn’t mind using the Fremen’s belief to assist in revenge for his father’s death.

The weaponization of religion.

At the heart of Frank Herbert’s “Dune” is a cautionary tale about the manipulation of religious zeal for imperial ambitions. The Fremen, native to the desert planet of Arrakis, have been embroiled in a struggle for survival and freedom. Their lives have been invaded by outsiders driven by the lust for spice. Paul’s arrival is initially seen as a beacon of hope. This seems harmless as long as Paul and the Fremen are of one mind, one voice, and one purpose. But here, we see a rift of potential division when Paul has to decide between what he wants and what must be done. This narrative weaves through the film, drawing clear parallels to the use of religion as a tool for political and social control.

Dune 2 is an epic adventure.

One thing is certain: Denis Villeneuve knows what to do with a big-budget production. Viewing Dune: Part Two in theaters almost made me reconsider my previous notion of what constitutes a blockbuster film. Visually, the film is a wonder. Watching it in IMAX, you’ll feel as if you are on Arrakis yourself. In Dolby, the sound envelops around you, including the impeccable score by legendary composer Hans Zimmer. It’s not just a film you see; it’s a film you feel. The technical prowess of Villeneuve is half of what draws us fully into the story and the fates of the characters.

Zendaya is that spice. 

What I found most exhilarating in this film is the latitude given to Zendaya to flex her talent. Zendaya is an excellent actor as she’s demonstrated through her gutwrenching performance in Euphoria. But here, within this film, we see her carry a multitude of emotions, and carry her own in Two Tower’s-esque action sequences. Chani is strong and resilient yet kind. And although she has feelings for Paul, her allegiance lies with the Fremen.

Chani’s fervent apprehension about allowing outsiders into their community wasn’t in vain. She feared not only that the Fremen’s mission would be corrupted but also that her love for Paul would be tainted. Small details in the film enrich her character arc. Although her intensity and resolve never waver, we notice she begins to wear blue on her head or elsewhere on her person—a sign in Fremen culture that she’s romantically connected to another.

Despite her deep love for Paul, Chani communicates, through her unspoken words and eyes, that beyond this love, she harbors doubts about whether he will fulfill the expectations he has set. Chani begins to pull audiences away from Paul. It’s through her and Paul’s relationship journey that we begin to see that Paul may not be the hero we once thought he was. It isn’t sudden, but Chani can sense that the closer Paul gets to his revenge, the further he slips from her. Zendaya’s emotional resonance as Chani is undeniable, which propels her character to be more of a focus, at times, than Chalamet’s Paul.

Everybody else was good, too.

The entire ensemble of Dune: Part Two is exquisite. While we’ve seen Chalamet captivate audiences in the first ‘Dune,’ his evolution throughout this sequel is particularly invigorating. Chalamet, known for his ability to portray vulnerability in Call Me By Your Name and bring a fun, warmhearted energy to Wonka, demonstrates remarkable versatility. In Dune 2 he subtly shifts, layer by layer, as his character grapples with the inevitable, showcasing a complex transformation that speaks to his promising future in cinema.

Javier Bardem brings both hope and comedic relief in his portrayal of Stilgar, embodying a character completely devoted to what he believes Paul represents. His unwavering dedication is not only inspiring but also compels the audience to share in his belief. 

The standout character, intentionally so, is Feyd-Rautha, played by Butler, who masterfully becomes a psychopathic menace. From his first appearance in the film, Butler’s Feyd-Rautha is unmistakably a chilling sadist, with nothing but unhinged malevolence in his eyes. Additionally, we’re offered a tantalizing glimpse of what Florence Pugh (A Good Person) could bring to the role of Princess Irulan, should we be fortunate enough to see a third film, potentially exploring “Dune Messiah”.

Ride the worm.

Dune: Part Two isn’t perfect, but its strengths outshine any lulls in pacing or narrative shifts. The action scenes will have you holding your breath. The moment Paul attempts to ride a sandworm for the first time perfectly captures what audiences yearn for in the sci-fi adventure genre. The visual effects aren’t just impressive; they place you inside the unforgiving landscape of Arrakis, making the tension palpable. The hand-to-hand combat between Paul and Feyd-Rautha featured tight choreography, both tense and realistic.

Dune: Part Two is the film we’ve been waiting for in terms of cinematic majesty. It’s unclear when we’ll get another film, but it’s evident that there is a lot more story tell. It’s rare to see a big-budget film that looks and feels like the budget is warranted. Beyond the star power, this film offers a visual and auditory feast that justifies its grand-scale investment.  Dune: Part Two not only lives up to its anticipation but also sets a high bar for epic storytelling, leaving audiences craving more.

Dune: Part Two is now playing in theaters.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars