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Director: Denis Villeneuve
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgård, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Anya Taylor Joy
Genre: Sci-fi/ Adventure
Rating: 8/10
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Dune: Part Two from director Denis Villeneuve is probably one of the most hyped movies of 2024, and quite rightfully so. The sci-fi epic is everything that fans have wished for.
While 2021’s Dune: Part One played out more like an origin story, giving audiences the history and context needed to understand the next tale, Dune: Part Two is more of a coming-of-age story.
We see Paul Atriedes, played with conviction by Timothée Chalamet, come to terms with his new life as part of the Fremen; learning their ways, gaining their trust and eventually attaining the status of their leader.
One of the most standout aspects of the 2021 movie was the sheer attention that was given to production design. At no point would you feel like you weren’t immersed in the world of Arrakis. And Villeneuve and his team have once again attained that momentous technical feat in 2024.
As always, the music and background score composed by Hans Zimmer is phenomenal.
The story does get a little confusing at times though.
Watching Part Two often feels like you’re missing out on essential piece of lore. Even if you watched the 2021 movie right before going for ‘Part Two’, my bet is that you would still end up confused by certain aspects. And the only explanation for this is that Villeneuve, who wrote and directed this movie, added in details and plot-points that makes sense for the third movie and would make sense if you look at the trilogy as a whole. Unfortunately, until the third film comes out, all we’re left with is an annoying feeling of confusion.
Don’t get it wrong though, Dune: Part Two is an entertaining movie. Despite having a run-time of two hours and 46 minutes, you are never left bored.
Each and every frame on screen looks like it was crafted by a master artist. Even during the slower parts of the movie, which are few, the sheer beauty of what you’re witnessing often leaves you feeling entranced.
Dune also has some great action sequences. All the action - whether it is hand-to-hand combat or an explosion - feels appropriate for the story unfolding before your eyes. It would be weird to watch the slick action choreography of the John Wick movies in Dune, so the makers haven’t bothered to recreate it.
Instead choosing to focus more on the overall aesthetic and emotion of the action rather than the technicalities.
The film also has some terrific performances. Austin Butler, fresh off his star-making turn as Elvis Presley, has put forth a menacing display as the evil and psychotic Feyd-Rautha. Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Rebecca Ferguson all show off their A-game in this nearly three-hour epic.
Chalamet shines as the main protagonist, never once letting us forget that he is the anchor for the story. In a movie that also has some acting heavy weights in the form of Christopher Walken, Stellan Skarsgård, Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin, Chalamet always manages to command your attention.
Dune: Part Two is an epic and a more than worthy sequel to the 2021 movie. And the best thing? It leaves you even more excited to watch the third and final movie when it comes out.
Verdict: A must-watch in the theatres. My only advice is to brush up on the first movie before going to the theatre for this one.
- Deviprasad Nair
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