After the events ofDune: Part One, the decimation of House Atreides bloodline and the start of Paul Atreides’ (Timothée Chalamet) journey, Dune: Part Two picks up right where it left off. Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), are in the care of the desert-dwelling Fremen. Paul seeks to join their ranks and gain their trust with the help of Chani (Zendaya) and Stilgar (Javier Bardem); however, his mother strives to acquire devout followers to support the prophecy that Paul is the savior foretold.
Ultimately, Paul finds himself in a battle between himself and the Fremen versus the destructive Harkonnen in an effort to save the Fremen and preserve their way of life. However, that’s not the only battle he’s faced with. He’ll also have to decide whether to follow the prophecy or follow his heart.
Just like its predecessor, Dune: Part Two is visually and sonically stunning. However, Denis Villeneuve’s sequel easily surpasses the first film. The CGI is breathtaking, taking audiences deeper into the vast world of Dune, while the story plants audiences deeper into Dune’s trenches.
While the story is already strong, Dune: Part Two’s actors carry the film to new heights. Will all eyes be on Chalamet? Yes, and rightfully so. The 28-year-old leans into his star power and Call Me By Your Name vulnerability to create an earnest soldier-turned-hesitant leader.
Zendaya, already a superstar, proves that she’s more than capable of holding her own as an action star. Speaking of holding her own, Rebecca Ferguson is incredibly menacing, and more folks should take note. These two stellar actresses act as the polar sides of Paul’s moral compass, pushing and pulling him towards what they think is best.
Unfortunately, Dave Bautista’s Rabban feels underused as Austin Butler’s Feyd-Rautha takes center stage. Butler is both sexy and dangerous as one of the film’s chaotic big bads. And while there are plenty of standouts, the cast of Dune: Part One truly shines as an ensemble.
Control is a central theme within this film. Lady Jessica wants to control Paul, the Harkonnens want control of Arrakis, the Empire wants control over the cosmos, and at the center of everything is Paul, who wants control over his destiny. That same destiny unfolds further, making Paul a metaphor for Christianity’s Jesus Christ. And like this messianic figure, Mary of Nazareth (Lady Jessica) is right behind him.
Additionally, Middle Age Christian references are spread throughout the film, with the Empire embodying Europe’s Crusades. And like the Crusades’ mission, the Empire seeks to oppress and eradicate the “infidels,” or rather Fremen. And who’s caught in the middle of it all? You guessed it, Paul.
Paul straddles the line between the “white savior” his House Atreides and Fremen supporters want him to be and the ally Chani knows he can be. Ultimately, one path leads him to become an accomplice to the Fremen, and another road would turn him into an imperialist. Whatever he chooses will change the universe forever.
Part One of this franchise sowed the seeds. Now, Dune: Part Two is lightyears away from its predecessor, becoming a game changer for the science fiction genre. With powerful storytelling and a stronger cast, Dune: Part Two soars where most films dream of.
Rating: 10/10