For many years, adapting Frank Herbert’s iconic science fiction novel “Dune” has been one of the greatest difficulties in film history. Directors have attempted and failed or produced mediocre results. But now, Denis Villeneuve has adapted the second half of the original novel in “Dune Part Two” and the result is perhaps one of the greatest science fiction films of all time. 

“Dune Part Two” adapts the second half of the original 1965 novel and where the first film, “Dune Part 1” (2021) left off with Paul Atredies (Timothee Chalamet)  ascending to leadership among the Fremen of Arrakis and attempts to liberate and seize control of not just the planet, but the universe as a whole. As Paul grows closer to the Fremen, they begin to believe he is prophesied “Lisan-al Gaib”, a prophet from outside Arrakis who will restore Arrakis to its former glory. The religion around Paul is amplified by Paul’s mother (Rebecca Ferguson) and the fanatical Stilgar (Javier Bardem), to the chagrin of Paul’s lover Chani (Zendaya). Atreides and the Fremen launch a jihad against House Harkonnen’s rule over Arrakis and Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken), who Paul seizes the throne from before declaring war on all that oppose him to solidify his power.

The movie follows Herbet’s book incredibly well, the biggest fear that Dune fans had was that the movies would try to portray Paul as a cut and dry hero rather than a deeply complex character that is warning to the dangers of the messiah complex. Villenueve has a deep understanding of the world of Dune, as this feels so meticulous and careful in how it adapts the work of Herbert.The iconic scene where Paul uses “the voice” to silence the Revered Mother was a thunderous event that gives goosebumps to the audience. 

This may be Chalamet’s best performance in his career, he embodies a man who has been shouldered with immense responsibility but also somehow who sees the worship that the Fremen have given to him as an opportunity to get back against the Emperor and the Harkonnens. Chalamet, with his traditional pretty boy looks, has been playing cut and dry heroes for so long it’s a show of talent he can play the role of a leader who makes horrible decisions for what he believes is for the good of the universe. Chalamet’s delivery of a speech to rally the Fremen jihad is going to be remembered for a long time and when he demands the throne from the Emperor, he transforms truly to the more power hungry Paul that emerges at the end of the book. 

Chalamet isn’t the only great performance, Zendaya’s role as Chani, is another highlight as she is seemingly the only Fremen who is willing to criticize the belief around Paul as a messiah, which Zendaya puts incredible heart into as she begs her people to be rational. Bardem’s role as Stilgar has been memed a lot but he truly shows how dangerous religious fanaticism can be. Ferguson’s role as Paul’s mother evolves her from the reserved concubine we see in part I into a religious figure in her own right who influences the jihad’s belief in Paul. 

The villains of the story all play their role excellently, most notably Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonenn, the psychotic nephew of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard) who is given reign over Arrakis. Skarsgard’s portrayal of the vile Baron is incredibly unsettling. Walken’s role as Emperor Shaddam was surprisingly lore accurate as Shaddam isn’t an all-powerful ruler, but a jealous and petty tyrant. The Bene Gesserit return as Mother Mohiam (Charlotte Rampling) continues to be a cold puller of strings. 

Modern filmmaking technology provided Villeneuve with more than was available to previous filmmakers who wanted to try Dune such as CGI to create the enormous sandworms, or Shai-Hulud, that populate the deserts of Arrakis. But it would be reductive to just say that’s what made it possible, each shot on the wider world makes you realize how big the story is. Whether it’s the deserts or the caves or the Emperor’s ship.

This is truthfully one of the best science fiction films ever made and it is a must watch. It’s not just a faithful adaptation but the return of the sci-fi epics that have made the genre so successful in cinema. I highly encourage anyone to watch this movie and also watch Dune Messiah when it comes out in a few years. 

5/5 Sandworms approved