“The visions are clear now. I see possible futures, all at once. Our enemies are all around us, and in so many futures they prevail. But I do see a way, there is a narrow way through.”

This quote, spoken by Paul Atreides, is featured in “Dune: Part Two,” an adaptation of the second half of Frank Herbert’s influential novel. 

Picking up from where 2021’s “Dune” left off, “Dune: Part Two” continues Paul Atreides’ and Lady Jessica’s journey in uniting with the Fremen of the planet Arrakis. Paul also seeks vengeance against those who tore apart his family and is also believed by Stilgar and some of the Fremen from the southern region of the planet to be the Lisan al-Gaib, the messiah. 

As Paul Atreides, Timothée Chalamet is truly outstanding in his performance. An instance of this is a stirring monologue that he delivers to the fundamentalists in the southern region in the third act. 

With her portrayal of Chani, Paul’s love interest and a Fremen, Zendaya gives one of the best performances of her career so far.  An example of this fantastic performance is an emotional sequence involving the Water of Life in the third act.

Photo of Chani and Lady Jessica in the “Dune: Part Two” movie. (Contributed/elle.com)

Javier Bardem is quite good as Stilgar, a Fremen who is the leader of the tribe. He is also from the southern region of Arrakis, which primarily consists of fundamentalists. Bardem embodies Stilgar’s dedication and belief in Paul being the Lisan-al Gaib in several scenes, including one early scene that was surprisingly humorous. 

“Dune: Part II” includes an outstanding ensemble cast, including Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, the daughter of Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV (played by Christopher Walken), who serves as the narrator during the opening sequence of the film, and Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot Fenring, who travels to Giedi Prime and seduces Feyd-Reutha. There is also Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, who soon becomes the Reverend Mother, spreading the word of the Lisan al-Gaib. 

Along with them is a stellar supporting performance from Austin Butler as the terrifying Feyd-Rautha, the heir of Baron Harkonnen (played by Stellan Skarsgård). When Butler first appeared on screen, I was disturbed by him, as his character’s introduction showcases this figure’s barbaric and brutal nature. 

Denis Villeneuve intensifies the sheer spectacle of Dune with this follow-up. The visionary filmmaker behind 2017’s “Blade Runner 2049,” the sequel to Ridley Scott’s masterpiece “Blade Runner,” Villeneuve has crafted something breathtaking that embodies the sci-fi epic as an art form, along with the excellent screenplay he co-wrote with Jon Spaihts, which retains the themes of colonialism and imperialism that are featured heavily in the novels — especially in Paul’s delusions of grandeur, which become quite evident in the film’s second half. 

Greig Fraser, the cinematographer for the previous film, returns for the follow-up. Fraser (who has worked on films such as Matt Reeves’s 2022 comic book film “The Batman” and Andrew Dominik’s 2012 neo-noir film “Killing Them Softly”) captures some truly outstanding visuals, whether it be the wide shots of the deserts of Arrakis or his use of stark black-and-white during the Black Sun sequence on Giedi Prime. 

In his third collaboration with Villeneuve, Hans Zimmer composes a score that captures the sheer scope of this sci-fi epic. Pieces such as “Each Man Is a Little War” and the haunting “Kiss the Ring” (the latter of which is featured prominently in the film’s final act) showcase this aspect.

“Dune: Part Two” is a film that manages to achieve the impossible and be better than the first. 

With truly intense sequences and outstanding performances, “Dune: Part Two” is a prime example of why Denis Villeneuve is one of the finest filmmakers working today.  

Lisan al-Gaib. 

“Dune: Part Two” is currently playing in theaters.

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