Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part 2” even outshines its predecessor visually – a much sought-after feature on the desert planet Arrakis. The sequel now proves this at its home cinema premiere.
The summer vacation is just over, but the wanderlust is still unbroken? Then this home cinema premiere is just the thing. With the second part of Denis Villeneuve’s (56) science fiction epic “Dune”, the most visually impressive escapism of this cinema year will land in your living room from September 6th, either via Sky or Wow. The sequel to the film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s (1920-1986) opening novel “Dune” is pure opulence, which benefits massively from the hard work of its predecessor. – and knows how to skilfully navigate some narrative minefields.
Between desire for revenge and savior complexes – that’s what it’s about
“Dune: Part 2” picks up immediately after the events of its predecessor: Shortly after arriving on the harsh desert planet Arrakis, young Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet, 28) witnessed an intrigue of galactic proportions: the entire House of Atreides has just been slaughtered as part of a plot by the Emperor (Christopher Walken, 81) and the barbaric Harkonnens. Only Paul and his mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson, 40) seem to have escaped the bloodbath, which had its origins in the fight for the powerful and lucrative drug Spice.
Their situation is hardly any better: they were taken in by a group of local Fremen in the middle of the deadly desert. Most of the natives are extremely skeptical of the supposed invaders and would prefer to throw them to the giant sandworms. They find an ally in Fremen leader Stilgar (Javier Bardem, 55), who sees Paul as the incarnation of Lisan al Gaib – a messianic savior. Paul himself, however, is initially motivated by only one thing: he wants revenge on Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård, 73) and his followers. He is lucky: even on Arrakis, nothing unites people like a common enemy…
Each frame is poster quality
After the film’s release in February, it was already clear that it would be difficult to escape the fascination of Arrakis. Only three films have been able to attract more viewers to the cinema worldwide in 2024, and there was no competition for “Dune: Part 2” among sci-fi films. And it had not only caused a storm of jubilation when the credits of its predecessor rolled across the screen around three years earlier. After all, the start of the sci-fi series, which is now planned as a trilogy, ended in a rather anticlimactic way and at exactly the time when the story was gaining momentum.
The sequel benefited even more from the hard work of the first film: “Dune” took care to give viewers the incredibly complex sci-fi world that author Frank Herbert created around 60 years ago. “Dune: Part 2” is now reaping the rewards and retroactively removing some of the criticism that was voiced about part one.
This is not only because, after the detailed exposition in part one, the action is fast-paced from the first to the last of the 170 minutes. “Dune: Part 2” also allows itself quiet moments, thanks to which the roar of the battle really comes into its own. “Dune: Part 2” can be paused at any second – the still image would make an excellent poster. There will not be a more beautiful film this year or for many years to come, one that skillfully creates immersion with more powerful visual effects.
Skillfully walking a narrow ridge
The fact that a member of the ruling class, in the person of Paul Atreides, becomes the savior of the oppressed masses is a problematic narrative. However, “Dune” manages to cleverly show how the myth of the savior, which has been cultivated for centuries, was the very thing that subjugated the population of the desert planet. It may be true that “whoever controls the spice controls the universe”. However, “Dune: Part 2” suggests how religious manipulation in the background determines who ultimately has the say.
Lead actor Timothée Chalamet is able to skilfully combine the mixture of desire for revenge, unwanted hero worship, grief for fallen friends and love for new allies. Like Rebecca Ferguson, his acting also suggests that there is a fine line before noble intentions can turn into opportunistic manipulation. In short: Paul Atreides is given a complex multifaceted role in “Dune: Part 2”.
The exact opposite is the case with the new big villain Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. In David Lynch’s (78) film adaptation from 1984, Sting (72) took on the role – and his iconic space speedo. In the new version, it is “Elvis” actor Austin Butler (33) who is allowed to show his most evil side – he does so with mischievous joy and better dressed than Sting, but with a completely shaved head.
The “Dune” universe is growing and growing
The third part, which will be based on Herbert’s novel “Dune”, will conclude Villeneuve’s film trilogy at an as yet undetermined time. However, there will be news from the “Dune” universe later this year. The series “Dune: Prophecy” has been announced for the end of 2024.
This will take place around 10,000 years before the events surrounding Paul Atreides and will focus on the founding of the mysterious Bene Gesserit sect. The cast includes Emily Watson (57), Mark Strong (61) and Olivia Williams (56), among others. Like “Dune: Part 2”, “Dune: Prophecy” will also celebrate its premiere in this country on Sky and Wow. An exact date has not yet been announced.
By (spot)
