Dive Deep with Arjun N.'s Review of Dune: Part Two
8Dune: Part Two is jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring science fiction at its most poignant. Director Denis Villeneuve outdoes Part One, creating his magnum opus through a gripping tale of war paired with breathtaking action sequences and compelling character development. Viewers won’t help but want more by the time the closing credits start.
This film continues the spiritual journey of Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) as he unites the desert-dwelling Fremen for war against the Harkonnens, while pursuing revenge against the Harkonnen conspirators who massacred his bloodline. Blinded by his love for noble soldier Chani (Zendaya), Paul navigates a complex, foreseeable future with a goal towards leading Arrakis. Meanwhile, the Padishahans, led by Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken) are out to play the “game of thrones” by implementing the sadistically uninhibited Harkonnen heir Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler) as Paul’s rival.
Timothee Chalamet, as Paul Artreides, steals the show with his mystical character development that sets him far apart from where his journey began. His skepticism of the prophecies foretelling his rise remains one of his most endearing elements, yet it's his heartbreaking struggles that showcase Chalamet’s emotional chops at their best. Paul and Chani’s love story is the backbone of this inner struggle. On the flip side, Austin Butler, as Feyd-Rautha, is the perfect foil for Paul—his horrifying introduction demonstrates their similarities and differences. The film introduces the Padishahans efficiently with Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken) and Princess Irulan Corrino (Florence Pugh) whose involvement with the Harkonnens adds political nuance to the overarching war. These scenes display what those in power would do for control of the world and its resources. Other scene stealers include returning characters Jessica Artreides (Rebecca Ferguson) and Gurney (Josh Brolin). Ferguson effectively portrays Jessica’s continuing spiral into Bene Gesserit witchcraft, while Brolin completes his purpose as Paul’s master by becoming his most loyal soldier. The Harkonnens are out to wreak more havoc on the Fremen’s resources with the leadership of Baron Vladimir, played effectively by Stellan Skarsgard. Director Denis Villeneuve pairs this complex cast with ethereal visuals and an epic soundtrack composed by Hans Zimmer.
The film’s message is that faith is the death of reason. More so, it explores how religion can be used as a tool to elect leaders. In many ways, Dune: Part Two is a cautionary tale about those we elect to power. Despite the film’s Star Wars-esque wonders, younger viewers should be forewarned of the film’s violence, substance use, and language that push the boundaries of a PG-13 rating.
I give Dune: Part Two 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. The film releases on March 1, 2024 in theaters. Be sure to check it out.
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