Dune Part Two-Mini Review
Review by Rob Hinkal
Picking up after the conclusion of Dune, Dune: Part Two follows Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), living amongst the Fremen as they seek retribution against the brutal Harkonnen warlords who attacked the Atreides homestead and killed Paul’s father. But, as fans of Frank Herbert’s seminal sci-fi text are already well aware, there is so much more to the story than that.
Director/screenwriter, Denis Villeneuve, and co-writer, John Spaihts, have taken Herbert’s original text and done the best that they could in distilling it down into two films. Which, in itself, is a Herculean and often labeled “impossible” task. While Part Two does feature some clunky dialogue and questionable timeline conundrums, it is nonetheless commendable and impressive just how well the film and its characters work on an emotional level. Despite the aforementioned “clunky dialogue”, by the end of the film, it is impossible not to care about these characters and feel connected to them as they take on formidable foes and find their place in the middle of the prophecies they have been chosen to represent.
The story of Dune Part Two is also much more engrossing than the plot we were presented within the previous installment. In Dune (2021), we were shown the setup. In Part Two, we are shown the payoff. And what a payoff it is. From engrossing and immersive action sequences, gorgeous cinematography, and some of the most immaculately established world-building ever committed to celluloid, Part Two effortlessly delivers on the promises made by its predecessor, and creates a rich cinematic experience that rewards multiple viewings.
From its character development to its stunning visuals and awe-inspiring sense of wonder and scale, 2024 has its first true cinematic juggernaut in Dune: Part Two. Whatever shortcomings the film may present, they are easily forgiven when taken into consideration against the striking beauty of Denis Villeneuve’s vision of this mature, and emotionally grounded galactic saga.
Dune Part II is in Theaters now!
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