Dune 2 review: A masterpiece of science fiction

Dune 2 is one of the most anticipated films of all of 2024. The film, which opens in theaters on March 1, is the long-awaited sequel to the first installment. Denis Villeneuve, which left the story completely half finished. Three years later, after several delays due to strikes by actors and writers, the director is ready to meet the public again in a play that promises to be a sanctification of his idea. The film that will be the culmination of the film adaptation of the first book Frank Herbert and that, if all goes well, it should give way to the third part of the trilogy, Dune Messiah.

The film again tells the story of a young man. Paul Atreides. This noble watched as the vile House Harkonnen killed and destroyed his entire family and legacy. Only he and his mother managed to survive, taking refuge in the Arrakis desert with the Fremen. Now both must learn the customs of this city to help them in their fight for freedom. The path that will lead to Paul meet his destiny as the supposed chosen one who will end the oppression of the Empire.

Film of Generations

The good news for fans of the first part is that Villeneuve He wanted to maintain that mature, philosophical and transcendental tone. On the other hand, the positive news for those few who didn’t end up buying it is that the director decided to top it in every way. He printed a lot more epicness, a lot more action, a lot more character development… Dune 2, the director decided to play the “more for more is always more” card. And better. If the first film was great, this is a monumental work.

This is not surprising, because he himself Villeneuve At the premiere of the original, he warned that this was a kind of introduction for him. Yes, with a scandalous budget and scale, but this is an introduction. The great story of the fate of the hero and the universe was given Dune 2. His whole vision fell on this second film. It was a risky promise, but it came true.

Paul’s story with the Fremen, which opens the film, is exquisite. From there, Villeneuve builds to a crescendo on a journey of hope, strength and honor, but also of conspiracy, faith and origin. The story of the saviors of the world during colonialism, as Herbert I intended it. Because Dune 2 He is very faithful to the novel and does not allow himself to be guided by the convenient habits of these epics. Imagine what the final destination should be and from there let the magic happen. The rhythm is dense, dark and not always optimistic. This is the great thing about it, because it never gets stuck. When the plot gets heavy, there’s a twist, an action scene, or a groundbreaking sequence that energizes the whole. Its almost three hours are not a burden at all.

The director raises the bar by combining all the elements of sci-fi cinema to offer an absolute masterpiece of the genre. A film that confirms Dune like the great entertainment film franchise of this generation that they once were star Wars or Lord of the Rings. In fact, an often repeated comparison Dune 2 With The Empire Strikes Back and with Return of the King This is amazingly accurate. This film feels like the culmination of a grand story that will resonate with audiences for decades to come. A unique cinematic event.

Amazing sight

Do it, Villeneuve He uses huge formal equipment. Dune 2 inherits the best breathtaking visual spectacle from the first part. The sun and sand of Arrakis take center stage, leaving images of extraordinary beauty. It has completely realistic and very well realized special effects. The film goes beyond the standards required for a production of this caliber. Every film released in recent years is on his side – with the exception of Avatar— in this regard it lags far behind.

The stunning visual design, with all departments involved working in perfect symbiosis, is complemented by the soundtrack. Hans Zimmerwho began to develop music Dune 2 Even before the film was greenlit, it outperformed its predecessor. The composer adds that extra ingredient of epicism and mysticism that rings in the ears (as well as the hearts) of the audience. In short, if only because of the technical effort put into the film, it deserves to be seen in the best cinema.

Actors

IN Dune 2 The importance of the cast also increases significantly. Timothee Chalamet He carries on his shoulders all the way to the abyss in which Paul lives. The actor creates a hypnotic aura, thanks to which he turns an idealistic and romantic teenager into a fierce warrior on the battlefield. And this time yes, in tandem with Zendaya — in one of his best roles to date — multiplies the interpretation of both. Their romance in the midst of tragedy makes them two of the best stars of the new Hollywood scene.

But they’re not the only ones that shine Dune 2. The third great figure is Austin Butler, minor but unforgettable. Actor Elvis He gets into the shoes of a psychopathic killer through a shocking and highly visceral performance. His presentation is breathtaking. Although, on the opposite side of friendliness and good humor, the Spaniards stand out. Javier Bardem. It can be said that he is definitely the one who had the best time while filming the film. His Stilgar is pure charisma. Like Jessica Atreides Rebecca Fergusonalthough in this case from containment and secrecy.

The promise of a bright future

Denis Villeneuve reached perfection with Dune 2. A quality entertaining film that will mark an era. But it also makes one thing clear. At Warner Bros. there is a saga that, if harnessed correctly, could become one of the richest cinematic universes in film history. The doors the film opens to the future are very promising.

An intriguing series so far. Bene Gesseritwhich will presumably explore the other side of conspiracies and hidden power games Dune, as well as his more prosaic mythology. But the next step of the research should be Dune Messiah. Villeneuve He insisted that he had the script almost ready and that he had always considered this macro project as a trilogy. The company wants to first check that this new film also works at the box office. And this is necessary, because the story of Arrakis and these characters deserves a worthy ending.

Eventually, Dune 2 This is an undeniable masterpiece. A monumental epic, an epic both grandiose and destructive in equal measure. Denis Villeneuve has signed a film with a classic flavor, round in plot and a menacing visual spectacle that will be remembered for a long time. The cast is great and the soundtrack is crazy. This is much higher than anyone blockbuster the last 15 years. Irreproachable.

Dune 2 opens in theaters March 1st.