By Chad W. Shreeves

After a long wait, Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the iconic Frank Herbert novel has come to a close. But how does the sci-fi film work through its lengthy runtime? Full Review Below:

(Note: While I try to avoid major spoilers, there are some key plot points and aspects I will be pointing out)

Dune: Part Two

Rated PG-13

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Austin Butler, Stellan Skarsgard, Florence Pugh, Josh Brolin, Christopher Walken

Running Time: 2 Hours 46 Minutes

Available: Exclusively in theaters

Dune: Part Two is a riveting, transitional piece of film that transcends the genre and becomes one of the biggest spectacles seen in years. But it’s in the subtle, quiet moments of the film that really help it become more than just a sci-fi action film.

Picking up where Villenuve’s 2021 Dune adaptation left off, Part Two finds Paul Atrades (Timothee Chalamet) learning the ways of the Fremen as he leads the rebellion against the Emporer (Christopher Walken) and Baron Vladamir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard). As he struggles to find his place, his desire to lead the Fremen to freedom and the manipulations of the religious fanatics of the Bene Gesserit lead Atrades down a dark path toward destiny.

It’s a story and a film filled with cautionary tales. The lengths we’ll go to for revenge, the way religion uses their texts to push propaganda and advance their own ends, and how with a simple push, one person can be brought from savior to tyrant. In that way, Villeneuve balances his plot and narrative with multiple shades of grey.

The plot does become very complicated very quickly. Which isn’t a bad thing, it’s just a story that requires a lot of understanding and attention in a genre that has for many years been relegated down to giant space battles and big action sequences.

But Dune: Part Two offers both of those. From the film’s opening moments, it’s clear the war between the Fremen and House Harkonnen is in full swing. And those action sequences are riveting and powerful. From hundreds of extras to a massive Sand Worm attack, the film’s action shots prove to be thrilling and never overstay their welcome or feel too flashy.

And while those sequences are great, it’s in the quiet moments that really make this film shine. Whether it’s Rebecca Ferguson’s Lady Jessica’s descent into madness, or Paul’s budding relationship with Chani (Zendaya), the work between the characters and their relationships are what make the wait between the thrilling action scenes worth it.

And speaking of the cast, this is one of the best cast, best ensemble pieces assembled for a film in a long time. Every character has purpose and weight to them, with some incredible work done building their relationships and nobody ever feels out of place. Florence Pugh and Austin Butler shine in their roles as they continue to build their rather impressive resumes, and veteran actors like Josh Brolin and Skarsgard prove themselves over again. It’s one of the most brilliant uses of an ensemble in a long time.

Like the cast, the set production and use of real sets are phenomenal. It’s always great seeing real buildings and real sets in films, especially fantasy and sci-fi anymore. And this film delivers on that aspects. Of course, there are a few moments of CG (what film with giant worms wouldn’t), and where there are it’s a well use of the technology. It doesn’t overload the audience with computer generated everything like a lot of films today do.

And all of the sets and cast is accompanied by Hans Zimmer’s fantastic score to the film. With the use of various styles and instruments you can tell Zimmer experimented and gives the otherworldly elements of the story extra flair.

While the film is a great sci-fi epic filled with spectacle and wonder, it’s not perfect. At a nearly three hour runtime, it is a movie that feels it. There are several moments of the film that feel too long, poorly paced, or dragged out. This ultimately undermines an otherwise perfect film at times when it feels it gets so high on itself it doesn’t know when to stop.

Despite its pacing issues and drag, the film is phenomenal in almost all regards. It’s a movie that relishes in its identity and Villeneuve really proves himself once again as one of this generation’s greatest directors. With some powerful cast chemistry, practical sets (and great use of CG), and a wonderful score, it’s going to be a generational leap for the sci-fi genre and a film to ponder (and debate about) for years to come.

Pros:

• Great Direction
• Great use of an ensemble
• Storytelling and Narrative is wonderful
• Fantastic score
• Practical sets look amazing

Cons:

• Drags too much on occasion

Final Score
4.5 / 5 EXCEPTIONAL

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