“Dune: Part Two” continues the journey of Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, as he unites with tribal desert warriors, known as the Fremen, on a warpath against the perpetrators who murdered his father whilst falling in love with Chani, portrayed by Zendaya, a native Fremen girl who teaches him the ways of her culture. The film was directed by the legendary film mogul Denis Villeneuve, with an ensemble cast including Florence Pugh, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler and Rebecca Ferguson.
After being delayed due to strikes, “Dune: Part Two” splashed into theaters March 1, grossing over $180 million in its first weekend. And the long wait turned out to be extremely worthwhile. “Dune: Part Two” offers a deep dive into the barren desert planet of Arrakis. Cinematographer Greig Fraser shot eye-catching visuals, and his knowledge of visual accuracy lends a touch of pure eye candy that only a painting can match. The visuals make you feel like you’re looking through a door to another planet.
At the heart of the film is a story about two star-crossed lovers healing each other’s wounds. Chalamet and Zendaya share heartwarming moments that are a testament to how potent their chemistry has become, including when they are fighting alongside each other on the battlefield. Chalamet achieved another all-time high in his career with a charismatically mind-altering performance that just might capture the attention of the Academy Awards. He beautifully morphs himself from man to monster, showing an acute amount of emotional depth within his acting in moments that require him to go from a tender, easy-going young man to a forceful, cold-hearted leader hungry for power.
Two-time Emmy winner Zendaya shines brighter than she ever has as a fearsome tour de force who puts her co-stars to shame when it comes to cutthroat action. In the film, she accomplished a stellar acting feat unlike any other leading actress her age has achieved before. She carried the film on her shoulders with her ability to portray a vast complexity of grief with nuanced subtleties. Butler, a “Dune” newcomer, showed his stripes as Feyd-Rautha, the villainous psychotic heir to the Harkonnen throne.
“Dune: Part Two” is a once-in-a-lifetime cinematic achievement that will be remembered for decades to come within pop culture, with a new batch of young talent that will redefine cinema. Moreover, it’s an experience meant to show the true power filmmaking can have when a group of multi-talented artists sacrifice themselves to produce outstanding work with a director who’s deeply dedicated to his vision.
The two-hour run time takes viewers on an action-packed and highly imaginative trip with relatable yet morally ambiguous characters who endure struggles reflective of our own cultural zeitgeist on distant planets. There are moments of heroic triumph that succeed at uplifting awe-inspiring moments coupled with commentary presenting an intriguing message urging viewers to beware and question charismatic leaders. There’s just enough twists and turns to keep your attention held on screen.
The film ends with a devastating event that begs for a third installment. As a sci-fi fan, I am proud of what the team of “Dune: Part Two” has accomplished. I left the theater with great hope for cinema’s future in light of the disappointing turnouts I’ve seen lately. Villeneuve gave life to a franchise that was once looked down upon for its eccentricities. Frank Herbert, the author of “Dune,” once wrote that “the mystery of life isn’t a problem to solve, but a reality to experience.” “Dune: Part Two” is a reminder that fans and creators who are equally passionate about producing the best cinematic works are capable of creating an experience greater than anything imaginable.
