AMC LINCOLN SQUARE IMAX

Alright, coming back to write some about this one after having seen it last night. 

Dune: Part Two is, simply put, immense. In size, in scale, in scope. Everything about this feels like it was made in a different universe (appropriately, obviously), on a different scale than our earthly restraints provide. In scale alone, it dwarfs everything that’s come before it. 

I love the way Villeneuve builds on the setups in Part One. The world-building expands into the depths of Arrakis, even though I do feel like he doesn’t get the appropriate time needed to really explore it. We get deeper into the lore at play. As we learn about the religious aspects of these lands, it begins to contextualize and enhance things that have come before. We’re introduced to new terrifying and fascinating characters like Feyd Rautha (a standout Austin Butler), the Emperor, and his daughter Princess Irulian. We can feel Villeneuve slowly unfurling the pieces of this narrative, knowing that each of these characters is going to play an important role in where this all leads in the inevitable Dune Messiah. I just love getting to live in this universe that Villeneuve has so thoroughly constructed for us. From the visuals to the sound design and stretching into the impeccable VFX work, it is one of the most immersive film experiences of our time, right alongside Cameron’s Avatar series. 

Now having seen this one, it really does make Part One feel like purely setup. Not necessarily in a negative sense, because I still gave Part One a 5-star rating, but the expansion of this story makes you realize the endpoints that Villeneuve had in mind. Paul’s arc in this film is especially fascinating, as he grapples with the prophecy and his place in it, still plagued by his visions. He struggles to balance his beliefs and visions with the idea of a grasp at true power. Chalamet plays this all so beautifully too, truly his best work since Call Me By Your Name. The scene that will eventually becoming his Oscar scene, where he ascends to his role, rightful or not, is absolutely legendary. He’s frightening and magnetic, reminiscent of political figures in our own world and the methods in which they inspire or lead, for better or worse. 

And a brilliant partner (and counterpoint?) to Chalamet’s Paul is Zendaya’s Chani, who is also tasked with an expansive arc to play. It’s easy to see how Chani was pulled in by Paul’s charisma. She’s especially fascinated by his authenticity and his fervor for the Fremen culture. But as the film progresses and Paul becomes more enmeshed in his prophecy, Zendaya portrays Chani’s skepticism with an incredible urgency, potentially seeing through the religious beliefs of her people and how this type of power can corrupt and damage. Her opening line from Part One echoes in my memory here: “who will our next oppressors be?” Her final moments in this film certainly drive that point home.

Dune: Part Two will absolutely go down in history as one of the best sequels ever made. It’s a rare epic that I can honestly say I would have happily accepted an additional hour of for Villeneuve and his team to expand on the world-building alone. Still, it’s one of the greatest theatrical achievements I’ve ever seen in of pure spectacle and awe. I can’t wait to see it again and again. 

I’m so thankful to be alive while a director like Villeneuve is making movies.