Dune: Part 2 (Film Review)

Directed by Denis Villeneuve Dune Part 2 is the long awaited sequel to Dune Part 1. If you’ve paid attention to the headlines you may have heard that both Dune Part 1 & now Part 2 are films which have had a lot of positive accolades as well as reverence from critics and audiences. However, as a general audience goer you me be wondering if the film is worth your time….

For those unfamiliar with the premise of Dune; is a novel which is held with similar regard to the Lord of the Rings in the science fiction genre. It has had a significant impact on most science fiction fantasy made in the latter 20th century and has often thought to be unadaptable, until now. The story of Part 2 is that of a science fiction epic set during the far future of humanity that picks up immediately after where the first one left off. With the young Paul Atredies (Timothée Chalamet); taking refuge with the local peoples so that he may learn their ways and eventually take the fight to the evil House Harkonnen.

First things first, you need to see Dune Part 1 in order to see Dune Part 2. This may seem obvious but unlike previous two part block busters; like the final chapters of Avengers or Harry Potter for example, which are two films that were designed to split a narrative over two films. Dune Part 1 & 2 are two halves of one story that was never meant to be split in in half. In all honesty, if you want the best out of the Dune experience then it comes highly recommended  that you try your luck at watching a double feature, either at home or on the big screen.

On that note, It should also be noted that to get the most out of the Dune films; that you should see it on the biggest screen you can. Much like its predecessor; Dune Part 2 has been selling out on Imax screens all over the world, and having experienced it on just a regular cinema screen, its understandable why. This adaptation of the Frank Herbert novel is an experience, it is an event, and in order to give yourself the best immersion possible; so do yourself a favor and try watching it at the cinema.

With the above being said, Dune Part 2 is a niche film with a huge budget. It lacks the broad appeal of other fantasy epics like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Carabian, or even the popcorn fun of a Superhero film. It is a slow, thoughtful, methodical piece that builds slowly and cathartically to its apex. Rare is it for such an artistic and thoughtful adaptation to be given such a grandiose treatment. The visuals are spectacular, artistically alien and it is genuinely hard to tell where the special effects begin and end. This is a thinking audience’s film and not for the faint of heart.

The films central hero, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) is a fantastic realization of the films tragic hero with the characters’ decent into dreadful destiny is mesmerizing and feels earned. Chalamet’s performance feels authentic as a reluctant hero who succumbs to terrible purpose in order to save his adopted family. Lady Jessica’s (Rebecca Furguson) performance as a transformed spiritual leader is intriguing and though her determination to lead her son towards his destiny is captivating; her relationship with her unborn child is bizarre and will likely perplex those who are unfamiliar with the material. The best new addition to the cast has to be the antagonist Feyd Rautha Harkonnen (Austin Buttler), whose chilling transformation from the actors previous roles in Elvis & Master of the Air this his character in Dune Part 2 needs to be seen to be believed.

Oddly enough; Chani (Zendeya) has the weakest performance of the cast. Zendeya is likable and serves the role well enough but she does little to differentiate Chani from her characters’ in any of her other films. This wont be an issue for fans of the actress but when standing alongside some of the other cast; if feels she could have reached for more.

At the end of the day it is hard to say that Dune Part 2 is simply “a good film”. It is, maybe even great, but its not so simple to quantify. The film is an experience that demands your attention. If you allow yourself to be immersed amidst the sand dunes; there is a fascinating tale of a young man embracing a terrible destiny that has a lot of audiences comparing Paul Atrades to Darth Vader. It is not a film for everyone and it will require you be in a certain frame of mind to get the best from it. The film both subverts and embraces many tropes because the original novel invented many of those tropes and you owe it to yourself to see it, if just once.

I’d give Dune Part 2 – 4 Sand Worms out of 5

Parental advisory: Dune Part 2 is suitable for teenagers 15+. There are scenes of action and violence that never devolve in graphic or troubling imagery. There are adult themes and the subject matter will appeal to more mentally mature and patient audience goers