Dune: Part Two Review
WRITTEN BY EVAN BYFORD
BEYOND THE SPICE: A DEEP DIVE INTO DUNE PART 2 (Warning Spoilers Ahead)
Dune: Part 2 is a breath-taking banquet. The conclusion to Denis Villeneuve's epic adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic seminal novel, delivers a cinematic experience that is both grand in scale and deeply introspective. Building upon the groundwork laid in the first instalment, Part Two explores themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the corrupting influence of power with remarkable depth and nuance.
At its core, Dune: Part Two is a tale of tragic heroism, a narrative that reaches its crescendo amidst a backdrop of uncertainty. The film's conclusion is marked by a sense of bleakness, as the love between Paul Atreides and Chani is torn asunder, a holy war looms on the horizon, and Paul is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. Where the first film focused on Paul's journey to manhood, discovering his ability to kill and his willingness to embrace violence, Part Two delves deeper into his evolution as a leader. Embracing his inner Harkonnen, Paul becomes an authoritarian figure revered by the masses, while his mother, Lady Jessica, manipulates events to elevate him to the status of a messiah. Yet, amidst the huge spectacle, Part Two also explores the darker side of Paul's rise to power, portraying a culture corrupted by its own ambitions.
One of the film's most compelling aspects is its exploration of female characters and their impact on Paul's journey. In contrast to traditional sci-fi narratives that often relegate women to secondary roles, Dune: Part Two places significant emphasis on the agency and complexity of its female characters. From Lady Jessica's role as a manipulative power broker to Chani's transformation from a passive love interest to a formidable force in her own right, the film offers a portrayal of women navigating a male-dominated society. This thematic richness is further exemplified in the mesmerising scene between Lady Margot Fenring and Feyd-Rautha, which serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of the Bene Gesserit.
Central to the film's success is its stellar cast, who bring Herbert's iconic characters to life with remarkable authenticity that makes the performances even more believable. Timothée Chalamet's portrayal of Paul Atreides is definitely noteworthy, as he deftly navigates the complexities of a character torn between his destiny and his humanity. He was able to carry the weight of his character in a way that I fear he would not. However, Zendaya is the heart of the soul of this film for me (though, like how Zendaya got considerably more focus in Part Two than in Dune, I expect Part Two is mostly setting up Florence Pugh for Messiah). Additionally, supporting performances from actors such as Javier Bardem, Austin Butler, and Josh Brolin further enrich the cinematic experience, while the film's stunning visuals, intricate costumes, and evocative cinematography transport viewers to the richly imagined world of Arrakis. I do wish there was more of a focus on Feyd-Rautha’s upbringing. For most of the movie, he’s just seen as a psychopath with no explanation for his sadistic actions.
Despite its many strengths, Dune: Part Two is not without its flaws. A very small, personal nit-pick I had with the movie was its use of military technology; I found it arbitrary. Many times, you will spot a new weapon being used and ask yourself “why was it not used earlier or in some other context?” Some viewers may take issue with deviations from the source material, particularly regarding character arcs and plot developments. However, these changes serve to enrich the narrative, offering fresh perspectives on familiar themes and characters. Additionally, while the film's increased emphasis on weirdness and surrealism is welcome, some may find certain elements lacking in depth or explanation. I think it’s important to remember that this is going to be a very long series. Part two is only a fraction of the incredibly large story at hand (if they stay true to the novels) and I think what you find lacking will eventually find you in the films to come. Character development, growth, emotional attachment, and everything else that makes you fall in love with a story is simply that. A story. And it isn’t finished yet!
Overall, the legacy of Dune: Part Two will endure, and its impact will be felt far beyond the silver screen. I also applaud the decision to debut this film so long before the Oscar's knowing full well it will still be in contention for them, especially the tech awards. Bring on Dune: Messiah!