Dune: Part Two—one of the most anticipated films in recent memory—is finally here, promising to expand on the mind-bending narrative and visual splendor that the first part so magnificently delivered. Denis Villeneuve’s ambition to complete his adaptation of Frank Herbert’s dense, beloved novel has kept sci-fi fans and film aficionados alike on the edge of their seats. But does this second installment rise to the occasion, or does it falter under the weight of its own expectations?
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the world of Dune: Part Two, unpack its triumphs, missteps, and everything in between. For fans of complex characters, stunning visuals, and epic storytelling, this film brings a lot to the table—but it also comes with challenges that might leave some viewers divided.
The Return to Arrakis: Setting the Stage
The story picks up right where Dune: Part One left off, immersing us once again in the harsh, yet alluring desert world of Arrakis. The first film masterfully introduced audiences to the intricate political intrigue, galactic power struggles, and looming war over control of the spice—an essential resource that only exists on Arrakis. It also ended on something of a cliffhanger, with young Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) barely beginning his hero’s journey after being thrust into the treacherous desert alongside his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson).
Villeneuve, known for his precision in world-building, wastes no time in reintroducing us to this sprawling universe. From the massive sandworms that slither beneath the sands of Arrakis to the towering spires of the cities on Caladan, the scale of this world remains one of the most impressive feats of the entire saga. In Part Two, the stakes are even higher, as Paul comes to terms with his destiny as the “Kwisatz Haderach,” a messianic figure prophesied to lead the oppressed Fremen people to victory and revolution.
Where the first film was largely about set-up, Dune: Part Two gets straight into the meat of the action, and the pacing reflects that shift. Right from the start, we’re propelled into a whirlwind of tension, betrayal, and awe-inspiring battles. But, while this escalation is thrilling, it also reveals some of the film’s central challenges—namely, balancing the dense narrative with an accessible, emotionally resonant story.
Performances: Chalamet, Zendaya, and the Expanding Ensemble
One of the biggest selling points of Dune: Part Two is its stellar ensemble cast, and for the most part, the performances do not disappoint. Timothée Chalamet once again shines as Paul Atreides, the conflicted young man at the heart of the saga. Chalamet expertly navigates Paul’s evolution from a naive noble to a hardened revolutionary, haunted by his prophetic visions of the future. His chemistry with Zendaya, who plays Chani, a key member of the Fremen, is finally given more room to breathe here after she was more of a spectral presence in the first installment. While the relationship between Paul and Chani is central to the narrative, its emotional depth remains somewhat undercooked, a result of the film’s sprawling plot and multiple moving parts.
Zendaya, for her part, brings a quiet intensity to Chani. Now with more screen time, she embodies the resilience and wisdom of her desert-dwelling people, but the character feels underutilized. Despite being a key figure in Paul’s future, her role is overshadowed by the broader political machinations at play, a choice that may leave some fans craving more depth from her character.
Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica continues to impress, portraying a complex mixture of strength and vulnerability. Her struggle between her loyalties to the Bene Gesserit sisterhood and her love for her son remains one of the most intriguing aspects of the story. Ferguson’s ability to convey so much emotion with subtlety is a testament to her skill as an actress.
The supporting cast also expands significantly in Part Two, with some heavyweights making notable appearances. Florence Pugh takes on the role of Princess Irulan, the daughter of the Padishah Emperor, and while her screen time is limited, Pugh’s presence is magnetic. Austin Butler’s Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen is a chilling, charismatic antagonist who proves to be a worthy counterpart to Paul’s rising influence. And, of course, Stellan Skarsgård returns as the grotesque Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, delivering a performance as sinister and vile as ever.
Visuals and Cinematography: A Feast for the Eyes
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series has been lauded for its sheer visual grandeur, and Part Two continues to raise the bar. Cinematographer Greig Fraser, who won an Oscar for his work on Part One, returns with his stunning, desaturated palette and meticulous attention to detail. Whether it’s the haunting beauty of the desert landscapes or the meticulous design of the ships and cities, every frame of Dune: Part Two feels like a carefully crafted piece of art.
The film’s action sequences are also a visual spectacle. Large-scale battles, including a climactic confrontation between the Fremen and the Sardaukar, are awe-inspiring in their choreography and scale. Villeneuve’s direction remains restrained and precise, avoiding the hyperactive editing and rapid cuts that plague many modern blockbusters. Instead, he lets the action unfold in long, fluid takes, allowing the viewer to fully appreciate the gravity and intensity of the moment.
That said, the film’s visual excellence can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are moments when the sheer scale and complexity of the world Villeneuve has created threaten to overshadow the characters and the story itself. While it’s easy to get lost in the beauty of Arrakis, some viewers might find themselves struggling to stay emotionally connected to the narrative amid the barrage of visual grandeur.
Storytelling: The Balancing Act Between Depth and Accessibility
Adapting Dune was never going to be an easy task. Frank Herbert’s novel is famously dense, filled with intricate political intrigue, layers of philosophical musings, and complex world-building. Villeneuve’s choice to split the adaptation into two parts has allowed him to give the material the breathing room it needs, but it also creates a challenge when it comes to pacing and narrative focus.
In Dune: Part Two, the film faces the daunting task of delivering payoffs to the intricate set-ups of Part One while also advancing the broader story. For the most part, it succeeds, though not without some bumps along the way. The film’s middle act, in particular, can feel a bit sluggish, as it dives deeper into the dense political machinations of the universe. While fans of the book will likely appreciate the faithfulness of the adaptation, casual viewers might find themselves adrift in the sea of unfamiliar names, houses, and power struggles.
Moreover, Villeneuve continues to lean heavily into the philosophical and introspective aspects of Dune. Paul’s internal struggle with his destiny and his fear of becoming a tyrant are central to the film’s themes, but these moments of reflection can sometimes feel at odds with the film’s action-heavy sequences. The film walks a fine line between spectacle and introspection, and while it mostly succeeds, there are moments where it risks alienating viewers who are less invested in the source material’s deeper themes.
Sound and Score: Zimmer’s Epic Return
Hans Zimmer’s score for Dune: Part One was nothing short of iconic, and his return for Part Two only solidifies his place as one of the greatest film composers of our time. The music in Dune: Part Two is bold, visceral, and otherworldly, perfectly capturing the tension and scale of the universe Villeneuve has created.
Zimmer’s use of percussion, vocals, and experimental sounds adds a layer of intensity to the film’s most climactic moments. The score doesn’t just complement the action on screen—it elevates it, adding emotional weight to even the most visually driven sequences. Whether it’s the haunting wails that accompany Paul’s visions or the thunderous beats that underscore the film’s battles, Zimmer’s music is an integral part of Dune’s immersive experience.
Final Verdict: A Bold, Ambitious Sequel That Mostly Delivers
Dune: Part Two is an impressive achievement in cinematic storytelling. It successfully continues the epic saga begun in Part One, bringing to life a world as intricate and awe-inspiring as any in science fiction. The film’s visuals are breathtaking, the performances are strong, and Zimmer’s score is nothing short of spectacular. But, as with any epic, there are moments where the sheer scale of the film can feel overwhelming, and the complexity of the narrative might leave some viewers struggling to keep up.
For fans of Villeneuve’s vision, Dune: Part Two is a triumphant continuation of one of the most ambitious sci-fi adaptations in history. For those less familiar with the source material, however, it may prove to be a dense, visually stunning experience that occasionally loses its emotional center.
Ultimately, Dune: Part Two is a film that demands patience and attention but rewards those willing to immerse themselves fully in its vast, unforgiving world. Is it a masterpiece? Time will tell—but for now, it stands as one of the most audacious and visually stunning films of the decade.
