Paul Atreides, Duke of House Atreides. Usul, The Base of the Pillar. Muad’Dib, The One Who Points the Way. Lisan al Gaib, The Voice from the Outer World. Mahdi, The Deliverer Who Will Lead Us to Paradise. Kwisatz Haderach, The Chosen One. Padishah Emperor, Master King of the Known Universe.

Savior of Man. Harbinger of Death.

The difference in Paul between “That’s not hope!” and “Lead them to paradise…” is terrifying. I would never follow this man in real life, but I will follow him to the movie theater every fucking day.

I was already in love with this movie. But seeing it again? Holy shit. It’s as if all the tumblers fell into place to elevate a tremendous film to being a transcendent cinematic masterpiece. Once I already had the narrative under my belt, and fully understood The Silmarillion levels of lore, titles, prophecies, characters, alliances, and more, I might as well have taken spice myself. My eyes were open, I could see.

This viewing gave me the proper perspective to settle in and truly dissect the themes of this epic. The political games, the landscape of the chess pieces on the board, the religious fanaticism... it all hits so much harder. The corruption and turn of Paul, from the Jesus figure to the Hitler figure, is harrowing. The performances sing evermore, with Chalamet standing out in ways I didn't know he was capable of. The breadth of Villeneuve’s genius is on greater display than ever. I’m just in awe of this film. A masterpiece that will stand the test of time. A flick that easily earns the full five stars. That solidifies Dune as a cinematic franchise that will impact generations like The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars before it.

What’s really crazy is that all I want to do, after now having seen this movie multiple times, is see it again. I can’t wait to go back to Arrakis and revisit this picture over and over throughout the rest of my life.

ORIGINAL REVIEW