Mirror Review: Dune: Part Two

*If you haven't seen Dune: Part One...SPOILER ALERT!!!*

Denis Villenueve’s “Dune: Part Two” delivers a captivating experience of a film that manages to maintain the audience’s interest throughout the entirety of its 166-minute runtime. Based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel of the same name, audiences are transported into the world that was envisioned nearly 60 years ago through the dedication to filmmaking displayed by the film’s talented cast and crew. 

The film picks up directly after its 2021 predecessor opening with the emperor learning of the assault on House Atreides. It then cuts to follow Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, and his mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) as their journey through the arid deserts of Arrakis continues with the Fremen. We are shown the struggles they face while attempting to bring Jamis’ body back to their home, Sietch Tabr, where he can be put to rest. Returning to Sietch Tabr is also to begin testing Paul to see if he is the messiah from their legends who is promised to save them and their planet, Lisan Al Gaib.

The people of Sietch Tabr are divided, as half believe in the messiah and the other half continue to just see Paul and Jessica as undeserving outsiders. As a test and an act of faith, Stilgar (Javier Bardem) gives Lady Jessica a choice between drinking the water of life, a poison that can open the mind to the past and future and becoming their reverend mother or being killed. This comes from the legends as it is said that Al Gaib’s mother would be able to survive the poison and help lead them. Her survivor adds more support that Paul is Al Gaib, but he stays reluctant to take on the role they believe him to fit. All he asks is to be allowed to learn their ways, but as he does he continuously succeeds and soon gains the support of the Fremen. He grows and learns as he is forced into being this messianic figure meant to lead the Fremen to sanctuary and prosperity. 

This film showcases masterclass filmmaking, as every aspect of this movie comes together to establish this world and transport the audience into it to experience the film. Every actor gives in the performance that they needed to give with two of the standouts being Timothée Chalamet as Paul, and Austin Butler as Feyd Rautha Harkonnen. Chalamet turns in a performance that silenced the minds of many doubters and brought the empowering figure of Paul to life. As for Butler, Feyd Rautha is a violent, sadistic person, but it is a role that appears to come almost naturally to Butler as you can see his enjoyment of playing the role through his performance. 

The most impressive aspect of the film was the way the world was brought to life through costume and set design, visual effects, sound design, and cinematography. Despite being a far out there sci-fi epic it feels like we have entered an established world and these alien-esque designs don’t feel at all out of place. Everything is pulled together by Oscar winning cinematographer Greg Fraser, who brings his talents to the project in the best possible way to make a visually stunning film.

Verdict: 9.2/10

Bradan Donohue, class of 2024, is a staff writer for the Dedham Mirror. He competes as a Marauder on the football team. He enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and dogs.