Dune 2: The Wormiest Film of the Decade

WESTON HIRVELA
STAFF WRITER
GRAPHIC DESIGNER

3/18/2024

Yes, I am aware of the sandworm popcorn bucket (I knew about it before I even saw the film), yet despite this I still took the gamble and saw it. A film that I can say with certainty is a destined nominee for Best Picture of 2024, the sci-fi event of the year and possibly decade.

Released March 1, “Dune: Part Two” further explores the sands of Arrakis and the galaxy beyond in Frank Herbert’s 896-page novel. The film opened to a weekend box office of nearly $180 million worldwide, with praise from critics, fans and even Christopher Nolan himself. However one has to ask, “Is the film worth all the hype?”

I will be the first to admit that while I liked “Dune: Part One” released in 2021, I felt it was a much slower film than I was used to, with moments that dragged on and, though visually hypnotic, ended abruptly. I was cautious going into the theaters to watch “Part Two” especially with the two-hour 45-minute runtime. However, I can safely say that this film was nothing short of a triumph in science fiction.

The same, almost hypnotic, visuals are on full display in this movie, giving the entire film a unique and gorgeous aesthetic. From the harsh suns casting beautiful reflections in the spice-filled sands of Arrakis to the eerie black and white home planet of the Harkonnens, Geidi Prime, the galaxy is distinct and memorable. The universe feels more fleshed out in this sequel as compared to the first film, helped by the distinct costume designs that feel both futuristic and grounded.

This is before even mentioning the star-filled cast. Timothée Chalamet is perfectly cast to play Paul Atredies, not shying away from the horror and fear of the character’s visions and tragic ascent. Rebecca Furguson masterfully portrays a much more ruthless, darker Jessica that adds a new sense of dread to the story. Zendaya is given much more screen time in this film, allowing for her performance of a fierce Chani to shine through.

While this film also retains some of the cast from the previous movie like Bill Skasgârd and Dave Bautista who had a blast playing over-the-top (in a good way) villains, there are new cast members introduced as well. Austin Butler is the most standout of the bunch, portraying a bone-chilling Feyd-Rautha. Florence Pugh plays a much more ethereal character in the role of Princess Irulan. Javier Bardem offers brief moments of levity and comedy within this sprawling space opera with their portrayal of Stilgar.

The sequel takes the slow pacing of “Dune: Part One” and improves upon it vastly. Gone are the literal lectures that Paul (and the audience) endured about the planet Arrakis, and instead we learn by seeing and experiencing the vast world within. The action is exhilarating with grand spectacles of warfare, tense smaller-scale fights, and, yes, some amazing sandworm action. Despite the moments of rest that are present in the film, they are still underscored by levels of dread. All of this story is accompanied by the talented score of Hans Zimmer, peppered with grand crescendos.

The reviews are worth reading on this film, and the praise is well deserved. If you are a fan of science fiction, or film in general, you should give “Dune: Part 2” the chance it deserves. Find the largest screen you can, let the sound shake your seats, skip the popcorn bucket and immerse yourself in what very well might be the defining space opera of our generation.