Denis Villeneuve’s Dune Two is the most recent installment in his Dune movie series, dramatically progressing the story of Paul Atreides as he seeks vengeance for the brutal murder of his father by the wretched House Harkonnen.
The plot picks up right where the first left off, as Paul meets the Fremen people after narrowly escaping death by the Harkonnen and from an intense duel with a Fremen warrior. He is escorted into their city, unknown to the Harkonnen, where he is declared “Lisan al Gaib,” the prophesied outer world messiah destined to free the Fremen from oppressive control.
The movie delves deep into the emotional journey of resistance and reclamation that Paul orchestrates with the Fremen Chani, an elite warrior woman driven by a fierce determination to liberate her people. Together, these characters, portrayed by the talented Timothee Chalament and Zendaya, create an immersive and captivating movie experience that guides the audience through nearly three hours of relentless action.
Through countless brawls, battles, and bombings, along with physiologically bending exploits of the Fremen religion, the movie constantly leaves the viewer enthralled on the edge of their seat. The unique setting and mystic rituals and traditions of the Arrakis culture create an enticing yet horrifying world, adding to the film’s allure.
The production team spared no expense in crafting this film, as the beautiful landscapes and spice fields of Arrakis create exotic, awe-inspiring scenes that amplify the mysticism and beauty of the film. Vast landscapes shimmering under the Arrakis sun trembling with sandworms and chaotic, blood-curdling duels occurring in the deafening Harkonnen colosseums are few among many of the wonders that await.
Whether blowing up a spice harvester, riding a lucrative sandworm, or watching as the Fremen worship Paul as their messiah, the soundtrack and audio further create an immersive experience like no other that must be experienced on the big screen.
While many disliked the slow progression and the extensive world-building of the first film, it was a necessary bore to set up the intense action that allows for Dune Two to be far more enthralling than its predecessor. I’d recommend heavily engaging in a rewatch of the first movie before embarking on the newest film, as the storyline is too complex for the inexperienced viewer.
Adapted from Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel, the Dune series is a trailblazing modern cinema with its unique approach to depicting its plot, and its success speaks for itself. With Dune Two ending on a biting cliffhanger, setting up a climatic third film, I’d heavily recommend anyone to embark on this journey and dive headfirst into the tales of Arrakis.