730.no gives you a spoiler-free review of Dune: Part Two 🎲
Then we are here. After a few delays and a trendy – but rather suspicious – popcornbøtte we have finally arrived at the sequel to the 2021 greatness Dune. I scratch my head thinking about that Dune: Part Two could have been part of the already strong film year 2023.
We’ve been pretty much in hibernation since the end of Dune: Part One which left us hungry for more. It was also not certain that the sequel would see the light, but a green light ticked in from Warner Bros. and Legendary shortly after its premiere.
It is absolutely incredible how big a universe author Frank Herbert created with Dune-the books. And throughout film history there have been attempts to adapt. For example, Alejandro Jodorowsky’s ambitious project that was not realized, but has since received a documentary and its very own fan base. We must not forget the cult classic Dune by David Lynch from 1984 which… In any case managed to become a film. Cramming so much history into one film is almost impossible. Of course, we have seen more successful stories that have taken inspiration from the Herbert universe. Those familiar with the books know where Star Wars and many other sci-fi tales come from.
With every film Denis has made so far, you see how much passion the filmmaker has for telling his stories. After movies like Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 It’s hard to imagine another director who can deliver Dune-the universe today.
Dune managed to raise the genre to a level we hadn’t seen in a long time. The sequel does the same and 10 times better. So much so that you want to stand up and shout “CINEMA!” in the middle of the cinema hall when Paul Atreides stands before his army.
Dune: Part Two is a direct continuation
Dune: Part One received much praise and earned 10 Academy Award nominations including Best Picture. However, there were some who weren’t entirely happy with the way the film felt unfinished after an abrupt ending. This was therefore the first part of a larger story, similar to how the book is structured. Starting a film series by splitting the start in two can go either way. Denis was successful in introducing us to a whole new science fiction universe through atmospheric and visual storytelling. World-building at the highest level as well Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and Avatar.
Timmy as Paul «Muad’Dib» Atreides i Dune: Part Two (Warner Bros.)
The sequel picks up the story and leans on everything we’ve already been introduced to, but elevates it to whole new heights through an action-packed and epic adventure.
Paul (Timothée Chalamet) and Jessica (Swedish Rebecca Ferguson) are on the run from Harkonnen’s attack and are taken by the Fremen to their sacred haunt Sietch Tabr. Paul tries to fit in, and his mother is in full swing to continue the master plans of the Bene Gesserit after the people appoint her as their new spiritual leader.
Both Paul and Jessica go their separate ways to learn more about their place in the big picture. Stilgar (Javier Bardem) becomes a new mentor and teaches Paul all directions to become part of their people. While Chani (Zendaya) who is skeptical at first slowly but surely builds a romantic and passionate relationship with him.
The hunger for revenge introduces new characters
Paul wants to follow his father’s call to become one with the Fremen, but is also hungry for revenge after the Emperor (Christopher Walken) ordered the complete annihilation of their family. Tensions mount as Paul introduces Stilgar, Chani and the rest to new battle tactics to defeat the Harkonnen army with guns and sandworms. The Fremen may know the desert best, but Paul knows all about the Harkonnen’s methods.
This also leads to the introduction of new characters such as Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) and the Emperor. Both Florence and the acting legend slip right into this universe as they wander around worrying about rumors of a mysterious prophet from Arrakis. No one knows that Paul is still alive. This also attracts the attention of the Harkonnen house.
Austin Butler som galing i Dune: Part Two (Warner Bros.)
In comes Elvis-the favorite Austin Butler who has recently been dragged on social media for his Elvis– voice. But here he said “hold my guitar, mama” and delivered a staggeringly good performance as the psychotic and sociopathic (as described in the film) Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. One of the nephews of Baron Harkonnen (Swedish Stellan Skarsgård), whom we also meet again. I never doubted Austin’s ability to transform into a new role, but was curious as to how. And he certainly does not disappoint.
Jessica, still pregnant with Paul’s sister, is deep into the role of spiritual leader of the Fremen and has a great influence on the fate of Paul and the Fremen people. Who plays the sister has actually already been revealed by Warner Bros. after the world premiere, but if you don’t know, I’ll let you find out for yourself.
Timothée and Zendaya understood the task
Dune: Part Two with Zendaya as Chani and Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides (Warner Bros.)
In the first half from 2021, we were barely introduced to Zendaya’s character Chani. This time she is a bigger part of the story, and here we even get parts of the story from her perspective. Zendaya’s acting talent is not unknown for example Euphoria and Malcolm and Marie. Soon she will also be relevant Challengers, another 2023 film that was delayed until this year. IN Dune– the sequel gives her the opportunity to show more, and delivers brilliantly.
She carries the film together with Timothée Chalamet, where both get to explore a more intimate and emotionally focused side of their roles. The first film showed the characters at the start of something that is about to get much bigger. And you can really see a thorough character development. Timothée also gets the opportunity to unleash his character more with humorous jabs and rage. It’s fun to see him go from an energetic candy enthusiast Wonka to this in a short time.
(Warner Bros.)
The plot builds up to become a surprising, intimate and emotional story about the influence of power and loyalty. Throughout the film Paul is torn between being a leader slash messiah or part of the people. It is a wonderful illustration of the great dilemmas of power and how anyone can be consumed by it. Mixed with intense and action-packed scenes, the film also brings out interesting political and religious themes. If you are not already familiar with Herbert’s vision with Dune It is difficult to predict where the story is going. It is perfectly adapted to the screenplay by both Denis and Jon Spaihts.
Dune: Part Two is concluded with a spectacular ending
Many blockbusters have come and gone in recent years with $200 million plus budgets. None of them can measure up to Denis Villeneuve’s magnificent sequel. To make Dune-films now is absolutely perfect timing, and you can see through the huge IMAX screen that this has been Denis’s big dream from the start.
You should look forward to this scene! (Warner Bros.)
Together with returning cinematographer Greig Fraser, they realize visual images that are even better than before. It’s nice to see that the use of physical film locations actually works and looks better with digital effects. In contrast to much else we have received with closed rooms and green screen. Everything from set design to sound design to film score helps build Denis’ vision and moves seamlessly with sandworms, spaceships and elements of war.
The first and second parts of the film continue the fantastic world-building and remain more exciting than what the predecessor managed. It must be said that it took a little too much time to build up to the last part. The ending resulted in a phenomenal cinematic experience that leaves you glaring at the credits in amazement. A magnificent and unforgettable experience. Now I’m just crossing my fingers that Dune 3 aka Dune Messiah gets the green light.
Just scroll through the list of favorite sequels and include Dune: Part Two.
Dice roll 6.