The second part of Denis Villeneuve’s space opera definitely has a more mainstream appeal than the methodical first outing.
That doesn’t mean ‘pound for pound’ this is any better than the still highly-acclaimed previous film, but with a more linear and action-heavier plot, this is definitely more accessible to your average cinema-goer.
Timothee Chalamet’s (Wonka) exiled Duke Paul Atreides has united with Zendaya’s (Spider-Man: No Way Home) warrior Chani and the Freman tribe. With leader Stilgar (Javier Bardem) and half the clan thinking Paul is the ‘prophet’ come to lead them to ‘the promised land’ with victory over the oppressive House Harkonnen on the Spice-rich planet of Arrakis, while the other half – including Chani – remain sceptical.
But when Paul’s pregnant mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) becomes the elder of the Fremen by passing a ‘rites of passage’ test, Paul also starts to gain the confidence of the tribe by embracing their ways and taking part in rites such as becoming a Fedaykin fighter, helping raid Harkonnen spice operations – and most impressively riding a giant sandworm.
With haunting visions leading Paul to believe remaining in the south of the planet as a ‘messiah-like’ figure will lead to a Holy War, he reunites with his old mentor Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin) to face his family’s destructors head-on. Which will eventually lead to a date with destiny against the new heir to House Harkonnen, Baron Vladimir’s (Stellan Skarsgard) psychotic warrior nephew Feyd-Rautha (Elvis star Austin Butler). And even more importantly, a potential confrontation with the universe’s emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken) – with his daughter Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) by his side – who betrayed the Atreides family.
And through director Villeneuve’s visual mastery this second part pieces together impressively, by combining some noteworthy action sequences and stellar storytelling to make this near-three hour film seemingly breeze by more quickly than the first effort.
It arguably has something missing to prevent it from becoming an out-and-out classic – some characters like Dave Bautista’s Glossu Raban are an after thought this time round – but this oozes first class production values from start to finish, and undoubtedly deserves immense praise for being compelling throughout.
It’s not going to be a Star Wars-beater – but will still be an important entry in the sands of time when it comes to sci-fi movies.
ESP Rating: 4/5
Gavin Miller
Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough, Out Now
Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgard, Florence Pugh, Lea Seydoux, Charlotte Rampling & Christopher Walken
Running Time: 2 Hrs 47 Mins
Director: Denis Villeneuve
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