Dune: Part Two

Directed and Co-Written by: Denis Villeneuve

Co-Written by: Jon Spaihts

Part two picks up the epic tale from where the first part ended. Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his mother (Rebecca Ferguson) are under the protection of the Fremen, after the slaughter of House Atreides by the Harkonnen’s. Increasingly the Fremen are convinced that Atreides is a Messiah come to Arrakis to lead it to prosperity. As the Freman become convinced so does Paul, that while not the Messiah, is there to lead the Freman to reclaim their planet from the Harkonnen’s and in turn avenge his father. At the same time balancing his feelings and relationship with Chani (Zendaya). In the background the force’s of the Bene Gesserit in the shape of his mother and Gaius Helen Mohiam (Charlotte Rampling) are looking to shape theirs and Atreides future.

After the success of Part One, Villeneuve has not disappointed with this incredible sweeping epic of a science fiction film. Part Two has a lot more story to fill in than its predecessor, with politics, faith, belief, mysticism and betrayal. And while occasionally it creaks under the weight of the story Villeneuve keeps it on track with effortless style, telling it patiently, giving it time to breath.

Epic is the only way to describe Dune. It’s a film of scale in the best way of the epics through cinema history. It storytelling, visuals,  soundscape and ambition are totally absorbing as it meanders and weaves effortlessly as a Sandworm,

The cast is great,  Zendaya, Javier Bardem and Austin Butler’s, psychotic Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen all add to the story telling. But it is built on Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson. Broth brilliantly building character arcs on growing from freedom fighter to leader,  the other in the shadows, manipulating those around them.

Dune: Part Two is breathtaking storytelling on a scale  you rarely see. While the story sometimes creaks it is never anything other than absorbing. This is a wonderful 166 minute epic from start to finish. Cinema at its best and if you can see it, see it on the big screen