Plot:
The exiled Duke of House Atreides, Paul Atreides, joins his love, Chani, and the Fremen of the desert planet Arrakis to exact revenge on the conspirators who demolished his family. The Fremen refer to him as “Muad’Dib.”
While at war against House Harkonnen, Paul Atreides is dealt a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, where he must avert a dreadful future that only he can see coming.
Review:
The 2024 American epic science fiction movie directed by Denis Villeneuve, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jon Spaihts, ‘Dune: Part Two’ is an adaptation of the 1965 novel ‘Dune’ by Frank Herbert.
Starting exactly where the first movie, ‘Dune’ (2021), left the audience, the sequel picks you up right off that cliff, providing the answers that tormented you all this while. Usually, the anticipation of a sequel is always followed by apprehension, especially when the initial movie has you in a chokehold. However, it is safe to say that this sequel just tightens the hold and brings you anything but disappointment.
Holding onto its signature and outstanding cinematography, which arguably has been improved if compared to its prequel, the movie is a treat to one’s eyes and sense of aesthetics. The attention to detail in each scene, whether it be the setting, acting, makeup, or costumes, leaves one exquisitely mystified.
The poised balance struck throughout the movie with the aspects of an epic and a science fiction is commendable. The equilibrium maintained with logic, opposing emotions, power dynamics, and the twilight of humanity will have one on tenterhooks.
Timothée Chalamet, who plays the role of Paul Atreides, and Zendaya, who plays the role of his love interest, Chani, have done a phenomenal job bringing the characters to life. Their portrayal makes one feel their emotions, blurring the lines further between reel and real. With the progression of the plot, one can definitely call the movie a work of art. However, while you are living the fantasy, it becomes difficult to comprehend it as a work of fiction.
The cast also includes Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem. The casting deserves a separate round of applause, as one can hardly think of someone else playing those characters.
The trailer for the sequel has captured everyone’s attention with the VFX, but it gets better and so much better in the movie, making one live in that moment rather than just watching it. Greig Fraser, who is in charge of the cinematography, adds to that experience, blessing one’s eyes and sense of aesthetics.
Last but unquestionably not the least, comes the music. It is very unfair to say Hans Zimmer has outdone himself because his versatility makes it really hard to put his works up for comparison. But just for the sake of being accurate, Zimmer’s music was one of those puzzle pieces that just flawlessly fit. It has been tailor-made and is a part of the package that makes the movie series so perceptible.
‘Dune: Part Two’ will answer a lot of your questions from its prequel but definitely will leave you with many more. And yet, what you are left feeling is anticipation, not disapproval.
Ratings: 5/5
In conclusion, the movie is a must-watch for those who have already seen its prequel, but it is also one for those who have not and must watch both movies. With a running time of 2 hours and 46 minutes, the movie will not disappoint and most likely add you to its expanding fan base. Considering all these factors, ‘Dune: Part Two’ receives a five out of five rating.
