Whoever said sequels are not worth it must watch Dune: Part Two. The masterpiece of a sequel to the 2021 film Dune (also titled Dune: Part One) has grossed $367.5 million globally. The director of the film, Dennis Villeneuve, shows that the science fiction genre can not only be artsy but also grand. With brilliant sound design and cinematography, Dune: Part Two is a delight for those seeking a thrilling tale of politics, religion and love.
Where They Pick It Up From Dune: Part One
The main protagonist, Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, and his mother, Lady Jessica, played by Rebecca Ferguson, seek refuge on the desert planet Arrakis after the devastating events of Dune: Part One, witnessing the loss of their family. Part Two explores the impact left on the duo and the universe as a whole by the death of Paul’s father, Duke Leto Atreides, played by Oscar Isaac. It escalates the long-standing feud between the Harkonnens and the Atreides. It’s hard to top the brilliance of Part One, but Villeneuve has done it again. On top of fleshed-out character arcs, it dives into the different cultures and the surrounding environment’s beauty (and absurdity).
The Story So Far
The native people of Arrakis reluctantly take in Paul Atreides and Lady Jessica, called the Fremen. They are divided in their beliefs of the two. Despite this, Paul has an intense romance with Chani, played by Zendaya, and is guided in the ways of the Fremen. Jessica, on the other hand, converts to a Bene Gesserit Reverend-Mother. Their respective arcs highlight a distinct drift between the mother-son duo. Jessica seems to draw in chaos and Paul wants peace in a possible disaster only he can determine. He must choose between loving someone without political advantages or deciding the fate of their universe.
Javier Bardem returns as the Fremen leader, Stilgar, whose fundamentalist beliefs and his growing devotion towards Paul are terrifying and comedic.
Dune: Part Two also introduces significant additions to the trilogy. Notably, Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, played by Austin Butler, is the antithesis of Paul’s story. The bloodthirsty nephew and heir to Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) is a formidable and clever foe. His character adds tension to the stakes and deepens the lore of Dune. The off-screen Emperor Shaddam IV from Dune: Part One finally makes an appearance and is played by Christopher Walken whose presence is demanding and powerful. Opposite him is his daughter, Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh). She plays an integral role in the background of the movie’s events. Her intelligence immediately exudes respect from the audience and her actions are like a chess game.
The fight for the universe’s most valuable resource, Spice, that puts a target on Arrakis and their people is a mirror to real-world events. Frank Herbert, the author of the original 1965 novel Dune, did this intentionally through the lens of science fiction. This fight for Spice and the treatment of the Fremen is a terrifying reminder of what people in power will do.
Which Format Does Justice to Dune: Part Two?
The best way to dive into Dune: Part Two is without a doubt on IMAX. The massive screen does justice to the expansive world of Dune and the explosive soundtrack, created by legendary composer Hans Zimmer, enhances the experience. If you are craving or want to be introduced to the science fiction genre, Dune: Part Two has got you covered for a journey you won’t want to miss. Dune: Part Two is paving the way for science fiction in 2024 and sets a precedent for better adaptations.
