Dune: Part 2

Dune: Part 2 is an absolute must see and already one of the best movies of 2024.

Based on the bestselling trilogy by Frank Herbert, Dune: Part Two continues the story of Paul Atreides’ (Timothee Chalamet) epic journey of revenge and power against the villains responsible for the tragic downfall of his family. This movie proves, as it did breathtakingly with the first, that sci-fi is still awesome, and director Denis Villeneuve extends his legacy as a visionary director of cinema.

It’s first clear to say, the cinematography throughout this film dedicates it as an experience devoted to the cinema. The story is Herculean to say the least, an epic tale of heroic survival and coming of age that brings back that teenage dystopia feeling of the 2010s, but even bigger and better. Dune’s scenes, score, visuals, characters, and phenomenal action sequences deserve to be seen on the big screen as you become emersed in this exotic and vast world.

Timothee Chalamet steps fully into his role as Paul without an ounce of fear; his brilliant dialogue and strong performance lead both the narrative and audience confidently throughout the duration of the movie. Something most people were disappointed by in the first Dune, was the lack of Zendaya, however, her character Chani is a force in this movie. Chani is a respected Fremen, part of the desert people, and brings a powerful element to the romance and the action. The Euphoria actress delivers a performance full of grit and determination, solidified in her intense action sequences and fierce dialogue, another loveable success of this story.

Time to talk newbies: Number one white boy of 2022, Austin Butler, and everyone’s number one, Florence Pugh. There was an air of apprehension around Austin Butler for me since his popularity took off after playing Elvis, as I was afraid, I wouldn’t be able to separate him from the rockstar. However, (with a lot of thanks to the hair and make-up department) his transformation into the villainous Feyd-Rautha was truly unnerving. Partly due to the lack of hair and eyebrows, partly due to his masochistic delve into the mind of such a “psychotic” character. His introduction sequence was brilliant, diving deeper into the evil of House Harkonnen, and their vicious world of black and white.

Florence Pugh holds her few scenes with the dedicated grace and dignity of the character she plays, the Emperor’s daughter, Princess Irulan. Her costumes are beautiful, and she wears them as if born for this role. Though her status lies beneath Christopher Walken’s Emperor, he supports her introduction to this world. Walken is brilliant, but the star is without a doubt Florence Pugh, yet again, and it’s so exciting to see where she will go in this franchise...we just might be waiting another few years for it.

This generations Star Wars or Blade Runner, Dune defines the cinematic experience. Action and power drive this film, but at its heart is a story that has been perfectly adapted for screen. The characters only develop deeper, the story remains interesting and thrilling without a boring moment, and the visuals stun to a whole new level.

Dune: Part 2 is an absolute must see and already one of the best movies of 2024.