I could massively gush about the scope of Dune: Part II and how epic and monumental this entire film feels because this movie went in so fucking hard! This could have been a 2hr-2hr 15 minute action packed epic and that probably would have been enough but I cannot praise enough how despite this being the (mostly) payoff to Dune: Part I, this still takes its time to introduce new mechanics that enhance this universe and make you want to learn more about it. I loved the commentary on religion and the questions it raises about prophecy which culminates on a note which makes me ecstatic for the direction it looks like it’s going in for the next one. Which leads me to Timothee Chalamet.. I already liked him but when he goes full Maud’dib, he brings such an intimidating screen presence that had me on the edge of my seat for most of the 2nd half. This is a side I’ve never seen from him before and I can say with confidence it’s his best performance to date. A perfect contrast to Austin Butler as Feyd Rautha.. Sting was goofy in the Lynch Dune but this guy is a nasty, menacing grotesque son of a bitch. It’s not even that there is a lot to his character beyond his lineage but his collected demeanour combined with his ruthless take no shit persona make him a force to be reckoned with, he not only kills without hesitation but he relishes in it as well. Both these performances command the screen every minute they are on. 

It should be no surprise to anybody that the technical prowess and presentation are phenomenal… Villeneuve and Fraser really understand how to utilise the scope of all of this to make it feel epic. These are some of the best action set-pieces in recent memory using long and wide takes that are seared into my brain. I saw this at my place of work so I only got to see a regular showing this time around but I really want to see it in IMAX if I get the chance as it felt like the scope of the set-pieces were a little held back but even then everything still felt grand. Hans Zimmer’s score sures that of its predecessor to bring us something that sounds very Hans Zimmer but also something grander, the “love theme” is a thing of beauty. 

Dune Part II is worth the wait in every sense of the world, it not only lives up to the strong highs of its predecessor but in my opinion sures them to bring us a true epic that beautifully balances top-tier spectacle with substantive political commentary and world building that even for a film as dense as this manages to expand on itself in compelling ways. The way they take Paul’s arc makes me very excited for how they are going to hit home the anti-chosen one narrative as there are hints of the hubris Paul develops with his ascension to Maud’dib. Already pre-ordered the steelbook and I can’t wait to see it again in cinemas. This was an overwhelming experience in a way that you don’t get often anymore and I want to see more like this.