Dune: Part Two has visuals that are so stunning, they are completely mind-blowing. Also boasts a phenomenal cast and compelling story.
Fans have been waiting what feels like forever for Dune: Part Two to grace the big screen and now the time has finally come. So was it worth the wait? The answer is a resounding yes. Not only did the visuals somehow get even more breathtaking, Timothée Chalamet absolutely owns every single scene he is in. That being said, the entire cast is incredible, with the only real issue with the movie being that we could have used some more of a few characters — because they are that good.
This film picks up exactly where Dune Part One left off, and wastes absolutely no time sending viewers on an epic journey. Yes, this movie is long. Yes, it features a lot of sand. And yet, it is never boring or exhausting, instead it will leave fans begging for more. Luckily for us, Denis Villeneuve has said he plans to continue playing in this sandbox (pun intended) and we cannot wait to see where things go from here.
While it is virtually impossible to find a standout actor among this incredibly talented cast – because they are all THAT good – Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha absolutely should be applauded for his performance. Not only is he absolutely terrifying almost every single time he is on screen, he very clearly gives his all to this role.
He is fully committed, as is the rest of the cast, and that is why this movie works as well as it does. These characters are believable. It is easy to become lost in the story and to root for some, and love to hate others. Not to mention, the costumes and hair / makeup are astonishing. They really do transport you to another place and time.
Probably my biggest issue with this movie, which is, in actuality, a small issue, is that there are two characters I would have liked more of, mainly because they are just so phenomenal in Dune: Part Two. First is Dave Bautista as Beast Rabban. We saw a little bit of him in Part One, and I was eager to learn more about his character and get that exploration.
While we do get a bit of it, it is not nearly as much as I would have liked. That said, there is one scene in particular that will live rent free in my head for years to come. He is so perfect in this, very intense, moment. You will know exactly which scene I am talking about when you watch the film.
The other character I would have liked to see more of is Florence Pugh’s Princess Irulan. Again, she is truly incredible whenever on screen. Mainly in scenes with Christopher Walken, she absolutely shines and her character is intriguing in the best way possible. Of course, should the story of Dune continue, we will see a lot more of her.
This is exciting as she is sure to deliver powerful scenes, especially when opposite Timothée Chalamet more – the two are already amazing together on screen. That being said, we could have used more of her this time around. Yes, the movie was already nearly three hours, but she was lovely in it and more of her would be celebrated.
Another slight issue is how jarring it can be when going from dark scenes to light scenes, however that was very much in the first film as well, and didn’t take too much away from the experience. The sound and set design are top notch. This movie knows what it is doing. Everything that has gone into it makes it an unforgettable epic.
It probably goes without saying, but it needs to be said that Timothée Chalamet (Paul Atreides) and Zendaya (Chani) have unmatched chemistry. They are incredible on screen together. While they are both fantastic, Chalamet in particular, steals the show. It is incredible to think about the range this young actor has. It is almost baffling that he is the same person who flawlessly played Willy Wonka, and stole our hearts in Bones and All.
He excels throughout the entire film, but especially in the third act. If his performance does not give up goosebumps during certain moments, I don’t know what movie you were watching. The way Paul evolves in these moments, and the path that Chalamet has sent him down, brings both heart and heartbreak to the story. He commands the screen when opposite talent like Christopher Walken, and that says all you need to know.
Zendaya also delivers the performance of a lifetime in the film, but particularly in the third act. And the two of them together will leave audiences with their jaws on the floor. They are that good.
Overall, Dune: Part Two is sure to be one of the best films of the year, if not the best. It might seem a little early to say but with stunning visuals, intense fight scenes, and a cast that all brings their A-game, it is easily a front runner. The visual effects are jaw dropping and the hair, makeup, and costumes are the perfect touch to what is already an incredible movie. There is no doubt about it, fans will agree this one was worth the wait.
Dune: Part Two absolutely begs to be seen on the biggest screen possible, with the best sound system. IMAX with Dolby Atmos is how this movie was made to be seen, and I highly recommend seeing it this way if it is possible.
Rating: 5 out of 5
NEXT: 50+ of the Best Dune Quotes
About Dune Part 2
“Dune: Part Two” will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
The big-screen epic continues the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed bestseller Dune with returning and new stars, including Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (“Wonka,” “Call Me by Your Name”), Zendaya (“Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Malcolm & Marie,” “Euphoria”), Rebecca Ferguson (“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning”), Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (“Avengers: End Game,” “Milk”), Oscar nominee Austin Butler (“Elvis,” “Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood”), Oscar nominee Florence Pugh (“Black Widow,” “Little Women”), Dave Bautista (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “Thor: Love and Thunder”), Oscar winner Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter,” “Hairspray”), Léa Seydoux (the “James Bond” franchise and “Crimes of the Future”), Souheila Yacoub (“The Braves,” “Climax”), with Stellan Skarsgård (the “Mamma Mia!” films, “Avengers: Age of Ultron”), with Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling (“45 Years,” “Assassin’s Creed”), and Oscar winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men,” “Being the Ricardos”).
Dune: Part Two hits theaters on March 1st, 2024.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.