We were given a unique opportunity to check out the next instalment of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two. Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” [Warner Bros. Pictures & Legendary Pictures] continues the story from the prior film, but raises the stakes by offering a completely new experience for audiences, escalating the scope and scale with even more stunning visuals and huge action sequences, along with new characters, even greater adventures and a truly powerful, moving love story.
“This film is about the integration of Paul and his mother, Jessica, into the Fremen culture, into the Fremen tribes. During this time, Paul and Chani fall in love, and together they start a campaign against the oppressors, their enemies. Paul gets closer to one of his worst nightmares, which is the fulfillment of a prophecy he foresaw—a holy war fought in his name.” – DENIS VILLENEUVE [DIRECTOR · WRITER · PRODUCER]
Set thousands of years in the future and picking up where “Dune” left off, “Dune: Part Two” again follows the mythic journey of Paul Atreides, a young man propelled by fate into an intergalactic power struggle. The son of the murdered ruler Duke Leto Atreides and mystical Bene Gesserit Lady Jessica, Paul was given the ultimate test in “Dune”: to conquer his fears when fate—and powerful unseen forces—pull him into the sands of the remote planet Arrakis.
The film itself is a true showcase. Impressive from start to finish, with an organic story line, that grows naturally throughout the second chapter of the film. Which is in itself accompanied by an incredible cast. Timothée Chalamet [Paul Atreides] strong friendship with Zendaya [Chani] is well known. And this only strengthens the emotional scenes you witness throughout the 167 minutes run time.
“‘Dune Part Two’ is about a young man truly growing into maturity. It’s something that we can all identify
with. It’s about a human being becoming fully themselves and it can be a lonely process, but you’re not
alone, because it takes a village. All these characters, I think more than any other story I’ve ever been
involved with, are essential to his coming to terms with himself.” – JOSH BROLIN [GURNEY HALLECK]
With the introduction of Austin Butler [Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen], a character’s intelligence that is matched by his cruelty, and he employs both in combat, making him a truly formidable foe to anyone that crosses his path. Austin’s performance as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen is astounding. The fight choreography is simply mindblowing…and will having you at the edge of your seats; leaving you totally none the wiser what to expect of the outcome when Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen and Paul Atreides finally meet.
“It was quite possibly the most thrilling welcome to a world I think I have ever experienced, and probably
ever will experience. I’d always wondered if they’d ever make those huge epics again, and then ‘Dune’
came out and it truly was an epic. Joining it has been huge, and being able to walk onto the sets and being able to be a part of Denis Villeneuve’s imagination is quite an experience”. – FLORENCE PUGH [PRINCESS IRULAN]
The film is indeed a masterpiece. And whilst i am in no doubt you could enjoy the film without seeing the first; what makes this film a masterpiece is as much in the sense that the story is driven through the background story of the first. So to compare both to each other would be in my view disingenuous, as both the first and second chapters complete each other perfectly, setting the scene for an epic conclusion.
Film Release Date: 1st March
Star Rating: 4.5/5 [By Gareth Rifkin; Editor in Chief]
