2021’s Dune was a massive critical and commercial success. Despite having a simultaneous theatrical and steaming release (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), the film grossed $402M globally and was the 12th highest grossing film that year. Three years and a few delays later, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two has finally arrived.

The film picks up right after the events of the first film, Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) is with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen helping them raid Harkonnen spice harvesters. Stilgar (Javier Bardem) believes in the prophecy that a mother and son will bring prosperity to Arrakis. Some of the Fremen believe the prophecy to be false. Over time, Paul begins to prove himself as a capable fighter and earns the name Muad’Dib.

With spice production being disrupted, Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard) sends his nephew Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler) to Arrakis to be the new ruler and stop the Fremen revolution that’s disrupting their production.

There was a lot of hype leading up to Part Two and the film lives up to the hype. Audiences will get a big payoff for the world building in 2021’s Dune. Part Two, which leads into a Part Three (Dune: Messiah), does not feel like half of a story an unfinished journey. Villenueve and company created a story that isn’t just incredible action sequences but a story that explores how intimidating all of this can be for someone in Paul’s position.

To be clear, Dune: Part Two is a very good and one of the most visually stunning films in years. Greig Fraser (The Batman, The Creator) continues to cement himself as one of the best cinematographers working today. He’s shoots films that need to be seen on the big screen.

The themes of prophecy and a messiah can be felt and seen throughout the film. The heavier themes are what keep the plot interesting in between breathtaking battle scenes and sandworm riding. There are a lot of really well done action scenes, but the best comes during a sequence when Paul, Chani and the Fremen working together to take down a ship. It’s so masterfully done.

The glue that holds the film together is the casts. The film doesn’t work as well without the brilliant casting. The talented group makes a story about intergalactic drama, deception, and powerful families delightfully entertaining.  

Chalamet and Zendaya have really good chemistry together. They’re good in the action sequences, when Chani is being kind to Paul as he’s learning the Fremen ways, and as Paul starts to become a leader. Javier Bardem as Stilgar is one of the best performances. He’s the comedic valve that allows the audience to laugh and relax before the next intense scene. Rebecca Ferguson’s performance as Jessica is creepy to watch. She’s becoming a little strange as she starts to believe the prophecy about her son being the Messiah. Last but not least is Austin Butler’s demented performance as Feyd Rautha. He’s incredible in the gladiator scene that sets the tone for who that character is.

Dune: Part Two is as much of an experience as it is a film. It is beautifully made and should be a hit among moviegoers. There is a lot of story packed in this film but it never feels like there’s too much going on. The film is specific enough for hardcore Dune fans and entertaining enough or casual moviegoers who may know nothing about Dune. Villeneuve is a true visionary that brought his bold vision for Dune to life.

Grade: A-