‘Dune: Part Two’ a sci-fi epic made for cinema

In what felt like the wait of a thousand-year prophecy, Dune: Part Two is finally unleashed upon the cinema-going public. The story of Paul Atreides and his fight for the Fremen continues, pulling him in all manner of directions. Is he the messiah foretold, with abilities unmatched? Or simply a boy seeking vengeance for the death of his father and his great house? The questions at the heart of Dune: Part Two are captivating, as are its characters, its language, its music, its sonics, and pretty much everything about it.

With the foundation laid in its herculean predecessor, the established world and aesthetic of Dune gets pushed into the stratosphere as director Denis Villeneuve gets to play in his sci-fi sandbox. There’s far less waiting and watching in this sequel. There’s significantly more momentum, likening Dune: Part Two to great sequels past that up the ante, akin to Aliens, The Dark Knight, The Two Towers, and The Empire Strikes Back.

The worlds of Dune are incredibly well-defined with impressive scale and consistency. The environments feel full of history, whether you’re living warmly among the people of Arrakis learning a culture predicated on natural order, or the brutal monochromatic coldness of the Harkonnen homeworld.

The film is a visual marvel that seems unmatched. The effect of Dune’s incredible sand worms is only improved upon in Part Two, and an immediate reason to run, not walk, to the biggest screen you can find. Even its more intimate moments are cause for awe. Dune: Part Two uses harsh lighting, starkly contrasted images, and surreal visions, courtesy of mind-altering spice. All of which are disorienting, yet compelling.

The film scores highly on its technical marks, but also excels in its storytelling. A near-three-hour film that feels impeccably paced, grabbing hold of its viewers from the outset and keeping a tight grip. It’s also a masterclass in pay-off, resulting in an astounding third act. The film’s only reprieve comes in the form of Paul’s contemplation of consequences, itself an intense experience.

Paul’s choice is made difficult thanks to the film’s supporting cast of characters with a wide breadth of conflicting perspectives. Paul’s surrounding influences include a romantic partner who wants to see him as a man and nothing more, a mother who fans the flames of his ascension to power, emboldened by two father figures, one who believes his every move fulfils a divination, no matter how contradictory; and another who would see Paul manipulate such faith for his own gain.

Dune: Part Two takes itself very seriously, yet oddly enough is balanced by humour. The cast gives their characters relatable moments that keep the audience connected amid the daunting drama. It’s a rich story, told in tremendous fashion that demands repeat viewings. This is one of those films that makes you glad if you saw it in cinemas, and overcome with regret if you didn’t.

Rating: Big Screen Watch

Damian Levy is a film critic and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies.