When it comes to movie sequels, two is not always better than one. But that’s not the case in Denis Villeneuve’s "Dune: Part Two," the long-awaited sequel to the 2021 film that provided a glimmer of escapism during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I've not seen a film sequel as good as "Dune: Part Two" since "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers." Despite Villeneuve's seeming reluctance to boldly deviate from the original narrative to confute criticisms of a "white savior" complex within the story — criticisms that emerged not only with the first movie but also with David Lynch's adaptation — everything about this film skillfully avoids any sense of aimlessness amidst its grandeur.
The world-building in "Part Two" surpasses its predecessor for two key reasons: Firstly, the screenplay adeptly avoids overwhelming the audience, a pitfall common to many epic science fiction films. Secondly, the characters are meticulously positioned with clear purposes — this results in a storyline that steadily progresses and ultimately delivers satisfying resolutions as the story unfolds.
The cast, both old and new, delivers superb performances. While many reviewers may highlight Timothée Chalamet's standout performance or his natural chemistry with Zendaya, as well as Austin Butler's effectiveness as the sadistic Feyd-Rautha, or even lament the underutilization of Christopher Walken in the film, what truly delighted me was every moment Rebecca Ferguson and Javier Bardem graced the screen.
The visuals in "Part Two" are truly out of this world — pun intended! This should come as no surprise, considering the film was helmed by an auteur who believes cinema is driven by the power of images, not dialogue. Personally, I found the wide shots of Arrakis to be the most captivating. They breathe new life into the desert planet, which felt somewhat claustrophobic in the first film, and imbue it with a sense of warmth, albeit not in a literal sense.
I also appreciated the film's commentary on the power of faith and its manipulation by those seeking to further their own agenda. A standout moment for me was when Lady Jessica remarked that they gave the Fremen who believed in the prophecy of a mother and son bringing prosperity to Arrakis "something to hope for," prompting Paul to retort, "That's not hope!" This exchange poignantly highlights the difference between real hope and how some people twist beliefs for their own gain.
Lastly — and I know it might sound a bit silly — I was almost moved to tears by how amazing the film’s sound design is. It's just so immersive! That's one thing I really appreciate about Villeneuve's work — even the technical stuff like sound can really hit you in the feels.
"Dune: Part Two" will undoubtedly be celebrated for generations as an epochal masterpiece in cinematic history. It's a seminal addition to Villeneuve's already impressive arsenal. I can't help but feel grateful to be living in a generation that gets to witness this level of epic storytelling.