Dune Part 2 (Mini-Review)

Dune Part 2 is a direct follow up to Dune Part 1. Both films are adaptations of Dune by Frank Herbert. Paul Atreides and Lady Jessica are reeling from the utter destruction on their House that the Harkonnens caused. Their only means of survival and vengeance now is convincing the Fremen that the prophecy of Lisan al-Gaib refers to Paul. Meanwhile, House Corrino and Harkonnen struggle to maintain their power. Dune Part 2 was released in 2024. It was directed by Denis Villeneuve. It stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, and Florence Pugh.

Near the end of the movie my body, for some reason, wanted to nap. It took some effort to stay awake near the end. I don't know if it was the time of day, the length of the runtime, or my subconscious feelings about the movie. In any case I was able to stay alert for key moments in the ending. Such as Paul's sinister line of 'grandfather'. I might need to do a post on my feelings of his lineage if I have time.

At many points in the movie Jessica says Paul has to do things because of his destiny. Yet later in the movie he states that there are multiple timelines. So nothing is destined, Jessica and Paul choose a future they want. The abundance of spice in their diet might be overwhelming them so that they confuse their wants for destiny. Jessica's use of the Voice when she doesn't get what she wants shows how selfish the 'destiny' she sees for Paul is. It could very well be that she is being a good mother which means manipulating everyone else to get the best future for her son.

The scene where Paul rides alone on a sandworm for the first time is probably the best sequence in the movie. The scope of the sandworms has always been shown. But this scene shows, in detail, how huge they are compared to a human being. Paul's struggle to not die is intense. It's like he's jumping onto a plane while it is in flight. If you want to see the movie, this scene should be seen in theaters if at all possible.

This movie ends on a cliffhanger. And, if this movie earns enough, there's a possibility we could see another sequel. Paul's character arc is resolved but the state of the Known Universe isn't. There are also more books in the Dune saga that could be adapted. However, Villeneuve seems to want to stop at Children of Dune. In his defense, later Dune books do get odd.

Stilgar and Chani represent the two sides of how Fremen view the Lisan al-Gaib prophecy. Everything Paul does, even denying he's Lisan al-Gaib, reinforces Stilgar's belief in him. Chani thinks that the prophecy is all lies and is only meant to control them. This means Stilgar is extremely loyal to him while Chani tries to steer him away from the prophecy.

I would recommend Dune Part 2 to fans of Dune Part 1. I would also recommend Dune Part 2 to fans of Dune. I would also recommend Dune Part 2 to science fiction fans.