★★★★★
Prepare to be immersed in a cinematic masterpiece as viewers delve into Dune: Part Two, the sequel that magnifies every aspect of its predecessor, from its visuals to its profound moral explorations and exhilarating action sequences. This film has proven to be a triumph of storytelling and filmmaking.
One of the most striking aspects of Dune: Part Two is its impressive visuals, particularly considering the relatively modest budget compared to other blockbuster productions. Villeneuve created a mesmerizing and immersive world that transports viewers to the desert planet of Arrakis with stunning detail and realism. From the vast, sweeping landscapes to the intricately designed sets and costumes, every frame of the film is a visual feast for the eyes. The costume design in Denis Villeneuve’s dry space saga combines elements from both ancient and contemporary styles, subtly alluding to the pressing issue of our current climate crisis. This can especially be seen in the Fremen stillsuits and their important usage of conserving the wearer’s bodily fluids in the desert. As for the set design, the entire movie feels enormous as desert landscapes fill most of the screen. The color scheme is warm when focusing on the Fremen, cold when focusing on House Harkonnen, and muted when focusing on Paul Atreides’ moral betrayal of the Fremen people. The use of practical effects and practical sets adds a tangible authenticity to the world of Dune, making it feel lived-in and believable.
Falcon Film Club President Gabriel Okobi said, “Dune: Part Two’s focal points of ‘spice’ and the movie’s desert landscape are perfectly characterized by this beautiful orange color completely flooding the entire screen.”
Continuing on his thoughts about the movie’s visuals, Okobi said, “An absolutely crazy detail is that [the Harkonnen planet’s] sun is pitch black so the whole scene there was in black and white. The lack of color contrasts Arrakis so well and develops the Harkonnens’ hardcore fascist society.”
In addition to its visual splendor, Dune: Part Two delves deep into moral exploration, presenting a nuanced and thought-provoking examination of power, destiny, and the consequences of one’s actions. Paul Atreides wrestles with the ethical issue of perpetuating or resisting the imperialistic legacy of his family, torn between upholding their power and acknowledging the harm it inflicts on indigenous populations and socio-political stability. His choices are fraught with the tension between maintaining control and embracing the principles of justice and equality. Unlike traditional hero narratives, the film does not shy away from portraying the flaws and complexities of its protagonist, and it even showcases his flaws moreso than the original Frank Herbert novels, according to Erik Kain of Forbes. As Paul grapples with his newfound status as the prophesied messiah of the Fremen people, he is forced to confront the ethical dilemmas and moral compromises that come with wielding such immense power, as he upholds the falsified and harmful Bene-Gesserit prophecy that put him into power.
Viewers often complained about the lack of action in the first Dune movie, but they can now rest easy. From epic battles between rival factions to heart-pounding chase scenes across the desert sands, the film delivers non-stop thrills with Villeneuve demonstrating a masterful command of pacing. The action sequences also serve to advance the narrative and deepen the character dynamics, making them all the more impactful.
When asked about what could have made the movie better, the sophomore Dune fan Maryam Munshi stated, “Each scene was crafted thoughtfully and intentionally and I think that contributed to the experience of watching the film since there were no parts that were too slow or lacked substance.”
At the heart of Dune: Part Two is a rich and compelling story that explores timeless themes of politics, religion, and the human condition. Through its complex characters and intricate world-building, the film invites viewers to ponder existential questions and contemplate the nature of power and ambition.
“Dune: Part 2 is a victory of the sci-fi genre. I would argue it’s a monumental adaptation, on the same level as Star Wars: A New Hope or Lord of the Rings for this generation,” said Okobi.
Dune: Part Two is a boundary-transcending achievement in filmmaking, showcasing the visionary talent of Denis Villeneuve and his team. The film captivates audiences from beginning to end—whether one is a fan of science fiction or simply appreciates a well-crafted and thought-provoking story, Dune: Part Two is a must-see cinematic event that will leave a lasting impression.
