A visually stunning cinematic offering that holds up to its predecessor.
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Denis Villeneuve’s long-awaited Dune: Part Two has finally arrived. Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem reprise their roles from the first film, with Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, and Souheila Yacoub joining the ensemble cast.
Part Two wastes no time picking up right where Dune (2021) left off, following Paul Atreides (Chalamet) as he unites with the Fremen people of the desert planet Arrakis to wage war against House Harkonnen.
Much like its predecessor, it tends to flow at a glacial pace as it establishes existing characters while also introducing new faces into the fold.
Zendaya, who only had seven minutes of screen time in the first film, finally gets more allowance to shine as the fierce Fremen warrior, Chani. Unfortunately, her role feels nothing more than a love interest aiding Chalamet’s Paul. The latter undoubtedly commands the screen, carrying the weight of this epic sci-fi like his character carries the legacy of House Atreidis. It’s unequevocally eye-opening to see him evolve into a brutish leader, especially if you’ve just watched him take the lead in last year’s Wonka.
Chalamet aside, it is Bardem who steals the show as leader of the Sietch Tabr Fremen tribe, Stilgar. His nonchalant approach to the character brings much needed candor and laughs to a film too serious for its own good. Whether the comedy was intentional, it was very much welcomed.
One other notable performance to highlight is the unrecognisable Butler as the cunning Harkonnen, Feyd-Rautha. His menacing performance will leave you haunted in fear no other Harkonnen has ever achieved. Much can’t be said about the rest of the ensemble as they fall victim to being relegated to the sidelines.
Following the success of the 2021 film, this sequel’s greatest strengths also lies in the jaw-dropping cinematography and encapsulating score by Greig Fraser and Hans Zimmer respectively, both whom won Oscars for their work with the former. If none of the performances impressed you, at least you’ll be filled to the brim with staggering visuals that can only be best enjoyed on the big screens.
Dune: Part Two is a grandiose display of power and its effect on people. Its big ensemble and convoluted plot can tend to jeopardise its pacing at times but Villeneuve’s vision is clear and we’re just amped for an equally stunning part three to close off this epic franchise.
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