Dune: Part Two (Review)- Dune: Part One had the mournful lament (Paul’s Dream), the astounding visuals, and the awe factor. Dune: Part Two has it as well, but the film comes with a challenge of having to top its prequel. Denis Villeneuve had to showcase Arrakis bearing in mind the expectations and the need for something fresh and awe-inspiring. With Hans Zimmer’s mesmerizing score at his disposal, the Canadian director takes audiences deeper into the desert, the tribes, and each character’s personal motivation. This allows for a satisfying buy-in to that one thing that Part One understandably could not have, i.e. the payoff. 

The second installment has wars, sequences of humans vs beasts and elements of nature, and bloodthirsty battles. Remember the fights such as Duncan Idaho vs the Sardaukar or Paul Atreides vs Jamis? Yes? Well, Dune: Part Two has way more. 

On the story front, there are alterations of some sort from Frank Herbert’s source material. You were not expecting that, right? You should have. How often is a film faithful to its source right down to the T. Well, it may even go/have gone unnoticed as, let us face it, who will (why would anyone) read an 800+ page novel when there is a movie? That aside, Villeneuve and Jon Spaiths successfully build on loyalty, disloyalty, control, power, and duty as they showcase the search, discovery, and evolution of the one from the prophecy.

Villeneuve takes the coming-of-age and revenge story deeper into the Spice-filled lands, provides the protagonist an arc to self-actualization, and even lays the groundwork for a potential Part Three. 

Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler stand out in Dune: Part Two 

Audiences may absolutely love Timothée Chalamet in the scene where he accepts his destiny. Editor Joe Walker’s cuts to the Fremen and Paul, back to Chani and Gurney, and back to the Fremen, captured the impact of Muad’Dib’s speech. They are rather simple words, but the command and ferocity behind them was simply astounding. Especially, as it was completely against the Paul Atreidis that Denis Villeneuve had presented. The evolution comes forth with the transformation seeming believable, making it tick, as we know the ‘why’. 

On another note, Zendaya fans would be happy in Dune: Part Two. This is because she has a rather meaty role here and is present right from the opening five minutes. Her conversations with Paul leave no room for any chemistry concerns. In fact, it is so good that one can understand Chani’s expressions and choices in the third act. 

Two other characters that stood out were the Harkonnen brothers. It is quite rare that Austin Butler (Feyd-Rautha) would rank over Dave Bautista (Rabban) in who would win a fight. Dune: Part Two’s casting demanded it, but the Academy Award nominee ensured it worked. Butler’s character gave this film a menacing villain. Feyd-Rautha’s honorable, ruthless, bloodthirsty nature comes across quite naturally as we see that he is a trained fighter.

Bautista seemed under-used for his skill set of a menacing big guy. Imagine him having been cast as Fremen or a protector of House Atreides. Would that have been too many recognizable names on the good side? Perhaps. What could have been done better? Not much as Bautista played his role well and failed to maintain Spice production, thereby embarrassing House Harkonnen. Could he have engaged with the Fremen? Yes. Seeing him run away from the rebel warriors was amusing. While that particular tribe may be dangerous, one wonders why Rabban vs Gurney Halleck was such a brief fight. 

Cinematography and production design are exemplary 

An aspect of Dune: Part Two is the world-building. Audiences enter the Sietches and get introduced to central Fremen locations, primarily Sietch Tabr. These places have intricate carvings that appear on screen for barely seconds. However, it is more than enough to establish why it is a precious home. The film’s biggest achievement is Giedi Prime. There is a complete visual pivot when Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation takes us to the Harkonnen homeland. This is not a choice just for the sake of it, with homeworlds reflecting their houses. Look back at Caladan, Arrakis, and Giedi Prime. 

D.O.P. Greig Fraser spent portions of Dune: Part One highlighting the Spice and rate of perspiration. Topping a feat like that would require something insane, which comes in when Paul rides the worm. Describing any more visuals may ruin a reader’s IMAX experience. Also, it is quite refreshing to watch so many fight scenes without a feeling of dizziness. This is achieved as Fraser doesn’t just swing the lens all around to create the chaos. The smooth motion of the camera helps maintain a sense of balance whilst showcasing the on-ground mayhem. 

Christopher Walken was under-used in Dune: Part Two 

Christopher Walken’s character has very little screen time. As the supreme authority figure (the Bene Gesserit do not count as they work in the shadows), he could have had a larger involvement or say in combating the Fremen. The same can be said for Florence Pugh’s character of Irulan Corrino. 

A peeve could be Rebecca Ferguson’s less time in focus in Dune: Part Two. The why is explained, and can not actually be viewed as such considering the array of star power and allocated screen time for all secondary characters. 

Thoughts on the lines of elongated battles in the final act would have necessitated two things. 1. Reduction of time in showcasing Paul’s journey that would take away the feeling of catharsis. 2. Accusations of a prolonged battle sequence along the lines of ‘it dragged at the end’. One would be hard pressed to discover something to find fault with in this film. 

Should you watch Dune: Part Two? 

Some films may be long; Dune: Part Two is 166 minutes, but it does not drag. Things just click, allowing cinephiles to immerse themselves into a story with the visuals and the music only making things better. You won’t feel the near three hours. Watching it in IMAX will be simply something else. 

It is way too early for the 2025 Oscars, but Dune: Part Two could be a major player. The technical categories seem like locks. Villeneuve could be a pick for direction. The biggest question will be- can an actor secure a nod? Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler would be prime picks. 

Even if it doesn’t get the recognition, it may be remembered way more than some other Oscar winners. Denis Villeneuve’s film is sensational.