In 2021, modern audiences tasted the spice of Arrakis for the first time. Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic “Dune,” adapted from Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel, captivated audiences and critics alike with a strange, mystical tale of destiny, faith and power. Though one half of an unfinished story, it welcomed a never-before-seen iteration of craft and spectacle, promising a grander, more paramount sequel installment. After several years and multiple delays due to the Hollywood strikes, Villeneuve transports us back to the bone-dry vistas of Arrakis to quench our enduring thirst for spice.
It’s incredibly rare for a film — an amalgamation of sight, sound and story — to feel larger-than-life. “Dune: Part Two” is a breathtaking culmination of technical craft and fantastical storytelling, redefining the parameters of blockbuster filmmaking. Simply put, it felt like I was watching history unfold.
The story picks up deep in the desolate outskirts of Arrakis, following the mythic journey of young warrior Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he acclimates to the harsh livelihood of his newfound love, Chani (Zendaya), and the Fremen people. Thrust on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family, Paul must confront his sweeping destiny as the fate of the universe hangs in the balance.
Where the first film occasionally stumbles in its monotonous pace and unfulfilled narrative, part two ups the ante and raises the stakes to the max. The sheer weight of what’s being presented on screen is shattering. Villeneuve expands upon the world, characters and premise he so excellently established, creating a visually richer and thematically denser cinematic experience.
The story envelopes you in its curious mythos, intersecting intense action, space politics, magic and religion. Despite its futuristic setting, it has an enchanting, ancient aura. Paul’s arc is complex and confounding. His threatening ascent to power muddles his questionable morality, warning the consequences of worship and power. Chalamet’s performance blends stoicism and sensitivity. His commanding presence frames a protagonist that is simultaneously easy to root for and fear.
Zendaya’s Chani is the perfect opposite of Paul both in support and resistance. Her performance in the last act serves as the film’s moral motor. I could feel the love, anger and pain in her eyes and facial expressions as the narrative unfolded. Rebecca Ferguson is haunting as Paul’s mystical mother, Jessica, who inherits an authoritative role in his journey.
The highlight of a slew of wonderful supporting performances is Austin Butler as the menacing psychopath Feyd-Rautha. His frightening voice is distinct and playful, matching his character’s chaotic presence.
But what sets “Dune: Part Two” apart from the bulk of fantastic storytelling is its astounding technical ingenuity. Cinematographer Greig Fraser improves upon his Oscar-winning work in part one, arranging a beautiful, unmistakable visual atmosphere. From piercing hot orange skies to a black-and-white sequence shot entirely in infrared, the film welcomes a new realm of grand-scale cinematic imagery. Among finely tuned visual effects, inventive production design and spectacular costumes, every inch of “Dune: Part Two” is entrancing to look at.
The sound design is equally incredible, inventing a noise palette for futuristic weaponry, massive sandworms, knife battles and numerous explosions. In IMAX screenings, the sound reverberates throughout and shakes the theater — I could feel it in my bones.
Hans Zimmer’s score ranges from melodic and ethereal to booming and otherworldly. It entangles itself within the soundscape during great battles, only to break free and take over in the film’s softer moments.
What Villeneuve and a magnificent cast and crew have created represents the pinnacle of blockbuster filmmaking — a larger-than-life sci-fi experience, pumping awe-inspiring imagery, engrossing mythology and overtaking sound into your veins. “Dune: Part Two” is one for the ages.
