Dune: Part Two Review

By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)

This review is spoiler-free.

Dune: Part Two seamlessly picks up where its predecessor left off, immersing viewers once again in the captivating saga of the last surviving members of House Atreides and the desert planet of Arrakis. From the outset, it’s clear that Villeneuve has spared no expense in bringing Herbert’s vision to life. The production design is nothing short of breathtaking, with every detail meticulously crafted to evoke the grandeur and danger of Arrakis.

The story and pacing are phenomenal. Villeneuve and Spaihts deftly weave together themes of power, religion, and arranged destiny, while maintaining a brisk pace that never feels rushed. The film is a testament to the enduring relevance of Herbert’s themes, offering audiences a thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature and religious dogma. What, on paper, should be an academic script, has been translated in a manner easily digested by a wider audience, yet always retains its potency. 

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its stellar cast, led by the incomparable Timothée Chalamet as the conflicted hero Paul Atreides. Chalamet’s portrayal of Paul’s journey from reluctant prince to messianic figure is nuanced and deeply compelling, anchoring the film amidst its epic scope. Supporting performances from Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Zendaya, and Javier Bardem further enrich the ensemble, each actor breathing life into their respective roles with a blend of gravitas and charisma.

Dune: Part Two is designed to be experienced on the big screen, not just in terms of the cinematography and scale, but also the sound design and score. Hans Zimmer delivers yet another masterful array of spinetingling music that elevates every scene. While the visuals were breathtaking, they were nothing without the sound to go with them, and this caused me to have goosebumps on multiple occasions. This was a spectacular cinematic experience. 

Visually stunning and thematically rich, Dune: Part Two is a triumph of modern cinema that pushes the boundaries of the sci-fi genre to new and exciting dimensions. With its incredible cast, wonderful story and delightful visuals and score, if they stick the landing, this could be the greatest sci-fi trilogy of all time.