Dune: Part Two (2024)

Long live the fighters.

PG-13
2h 47m

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Novel: Frank Herbert
Premiered: February 27, 2024
Language: English
Status: Released
Budget: $190,000,000.00
Revenue: $714,844,358.00
Awards: Won 2 Oscars. 117 wins & 372 nominations total
Country: United States of America

Dune: Part Two

8.1/10 (7226 vote)

★★★★★★★★★★

Production: Legendary Pictures

Spoiler

Denis Villeneuve's epic science fiction saga, Dune: Part Two, plunges audiences back into the harsh, spice-laden deserts of Arrakis, continuing the mythic journey of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he navigates a treacherous path of revenge, prophecy, and the immense weight of a foreseen future. This installment, released in 2024 and boasting a stellar cast including Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Javier Bardem, expands upon the foundations laid in its predecessor, delivering a visually stunning and thematically rich exploration of power, faith, and the devastating consequences of destiny.

The narrative opens with Princess Irulan Corrino (Florence Pugh), daughter of Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken), meticulously chronicling the recent cataclysmic events. Her journal entries reveal a profound bewilderment regarding her father's role in the brutal Harkonnen assault on House Atreides. She notes the Emperor's paternal regard for Duke Leto Atreides, a sentiment that starkly contrasts with the Emperor's apparent orchestration of the Atreides family's decimation. Yet, Irulan harbors a persistent belief that not all of the Atreides bloodline has been extinguished, and she ponders the far-reaching implications of their fall for the vital desert planet of Arrakis.

Following their harrowing escape, Paul and his pregnant mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), find refuge among the indigenous Fremen. Their journey across the unforgiving desert is fraught with peril as Harkonnen scouts relentlessly pursue them. Under the seasoned leadership of Stilgar (Javier Bardem), the Fremen warriors demonstrate their mastery of survival, expertly evading their pursuers before turning the tables, utilizing their own weaponry to eliminate the scouts. In a chilling testament to their connection with the planet's colossal sandworms, the bodies of the scouts are left as sustenance for Shai-Hulud, a stark reminder of the unforgiving ecosystem.

Upon reaching Sietch Tabr, Paul and Jessica are met with a mixture of suspicion and animosity from the Fremen community. Some view them as potential spies, while others harbor resentment towards Paul for his role in the death of Jamis (Babs Olusanmokun). Stilgar intervenes, addressing a council of elders to advocate for their acceptance and integration, emphasizing the mutual benefits their presence could bring to the Fremen.

In a private audience, Stilgar reveals a critical development to Jessica: the current Reverend Mother is nearing the end of her life, and he implores Jessica to assume her sacred role. Jessica joins the other Bene Gesserit sisters, including the ailing Reverend Mother Ramallo (Giusi Merli). She is then instructed to partake in the Water of Life, a potent and lethal substance to males. Jessica bravely drinks the elixir, her body wracked by convulsions. The other Bene Gesserit, realizing too late that Jessica is pregnant, grow fearful for her life.

Miraculously, Jessica overcomes the poison, inheriting the vast ancestral memories of her lineage. Simultaneously, her unborn daughter begins to communicate with her, a nascent connection that transcends the physical realm. Together, they strategize on how to cultivate belief in the prophecy among the inhabitants of northern Arrakis, focusing their efforts on those perceived as most receptive.

Meanwhile, Paul endeavors to forge a deeper connection with Chani (Zendaya), who is engaged in a conversation with her friend Shishakli (Souhelia Yacoub) about the dubious nature of the prophecy. Their burgeoning relationship is tested when the Fremen confront a Harkonnen scouting tank. During the ensuing battle, an Ornithopter descends, unleashing a barrage of fire. Paul heroically shields Chani, creating an opportunity for her to breach the Ornithopter's defenses and destroy it. As the Fremen collect the precious water from the fallen scouts, Paul articulates his disinterest in being perceived as the Lisan al-Gaib, expressing his sole desire to fight alongside them. This declaration earns him increased respect and acceptance from Stilgar and the other warriors.

Later, Paul and Chani share a tender moment on a windswept hill, gazing at the mesmerizing landscape as the spice flows across the desert. Their shared admiration blossoms into romantic feelings, culminating in a passionate kiss.

As time progresses, Paul dedicates himself to training with the Fremen, evolving into a formidable Fedaykin warrior alongside Chani. He becomes increasingly integrated into their culture, adopting the fighter moniker "Muad’Dib Usul," a name derived from the desert's indigenous kangaroo mice and a tribute to a legendary Fremen warrior. However, his ascendance is shadowed by increasingly disturbing visions of a devastating holy war, a future he foresees if he embraces the mantle of the Lisan al-Gaib. These visions often depict him following a mysterious figure, later revealed to be Jessica, leading to widespread devastation and a land littered with corpses.

Paul then undertakes a pivotal Fremen trial: riding a sandworm. Amidst the hushed anticipation of the gathered Fremen, he descends to the desert floor and deploys a device to summon Shai-Hulud. As the colossal worm emerges, Paul seizes his chance, leaping onto its massive form. After a brief but intense struggle, he secures his grip, successfully riding the sandworm to the thunderous cheers of the Fremen.

Concurrently, Jessica embarks on a pilgrimage to southern Arrakis, aiming to disseminate the prophecy among the fundamentalist factions. Despite her desire for Paul to accompany her, he remains hesitant, believing their actions are fostering false hope and that his involvement would inevitably trigger the catastrophic future he has foreseen.

On the Harkonnen homeworld of Giedi Prime, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard) presides over a brutal celebration for his youngest nephew, Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler), brother of Rabban (Dave Bautista). The event is attended by Bene Gesserit luminaries, including Reverend Mother Mohiam (Charlotte Rampling) and Lady Margot Fenring (Lea Seydoux). The highlight of the celebration is a gladiatorial tournament where Feyd faces three followers of House Atreides. Two of his opponents are drugged, allowing Feyd to dispatch them with ease. The third, however, is lucid and offers a fierce resistance before ultimately succumbing to Feyd's blade. The Baron, recognizing Rabban's failures in managing Arrakis and controlling the Fremen, designates Feyd-Rautha as his successor to rule the planet.

Reverend Mother Mohiam and Lady Margot engage in a discussion about the potential survival of Paul, as whispers of "Muad’Dib" begin to circulate across Arrakis. Lady Margot then seeks out Feyd-Rautha, seducing him after subjecting him to the same Bene Gesserit test that Paul endured. Margot later confirms to Mohiam that she is carrying Feyd's child.

Princess Irulan continues her investigation into the attack on House Atreides, personally confronting Reverend Mother Mohiam. Mohiam confirms the Emperor's complicity in the attack and the perceived necessity behind his actions.

A group of smugglers lands on Arrakis, leading to an immediate confrontation with the Fremen. Paul intervenes upon recognizing one of the smugglers as Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin). Their reunion is deeply emotional, and Paul calls off the Fremen. Gurney recounts his survival of the attack and his subsequent journey. Recognizing their insufficient strength against the Harkonnens, Gurney leads Paul, Chani, and Stilgar to a hidden cache of House Atreides atomic warheads.

Harkonnen forces, under the command of Feyd-Rautha, launch a devastating assault on Sietch Tabr, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing the survivors to retreat southward. Shishakli is captured and, refusing to divulge information, is brutally incinerated by Feyd. Despite Paul's reservations, the survivors are compelled to move towards the south.

Paul journeys to the same sacred temple Jessica visited, seeking the source of the Water of Life, which is extracted from a young sandworm. Against Chani's pleas, Paul consumes the substance and falls into unconsciousness. He experiences profound visions, including an encounter with his sister Alia (Anya Taylor-Joy). As the Fremen rally to aid Paul, Chani is informed that Desert Spring tears may revive him. She weeps, her tears mixing with the Water of Life and administered to Paul. He awakens and confides in Jessica, revealing a shocking truth: she is the Baron's daughter, making them both Harkonnens, a fact unknown even to Jessica. This revelation solidifies Paul's status as the Kwisatz Haderach, a male possessing the extraordinary capabilities of the Bene Gesserit who has imbibed the Water of Life.

Other Fremen leaders convene at the temple to deliberate Paul's ascendance. They propose a challenge to Stilgar, who is prepared to accept. However, Paul defies their expectations, delivering a powerful speech in which he boldly claims the title of Lisan al-Gaib. Chani voices her dissent, arguing that the prophecy has served to enslave the Fremen. In the wake of Paul's declaration and Chani's plea, the Fremen collectively bow to Paul, acknowledging him as their messiah.

The Harkonnens, accompanied by the Emperor, Princess Irulan, and their formidable Sardaukar legions, return to Arrakis, setting the stage for a climactic confrontation with the Fremen. The Emperor confronts the Harkonnens, severing the Baron's suspensor belts and rendering him immobile. Paul then orders the launch of the warheads, breaching Arrakeen's defenses. The Fremen warriors, mounted on sandworms, charge into the enemy ranks, decimating a significant portion of the imperial army. The Baron, in a final desperate act, attempts to crawl towards the Emperor's throne, but Paul intercepts him, addressing him as his grandfather, a moment of profound shock for the Baron before Paul ends his life with a knife. Outside, the surviving Sardaukar attempt to flee, but Gurney intercepts Rabban for a rematch. Their brief duel concludes with Gurney fatally wounding Rabban.

Paul prepares to face the Emperor, seeking retribution for his father's death. He issues an ultimatum: surrender and grant him Princess Irulan's hand in marriage, a demand that visibly pains Chani, or face the destruction of the spice supply. The Emperor calls upon Feyd-Rautha to serve as his champion. Paul and Feyd engage in a brutal duel. Feyd manages to wound Paul, but Paul ultimately gains the upper hand, fatally stabbing his opponent. Feyd, in his dying moments, commends Paul's fighting prowess. As Paul turns his attention to the Emperor, Irulan intervenes, agreeing to the marriage proposal. Before abdicating, the Emperor reveals that he ordered Duke Leto's death due to his being driven by "actions of the heart." Paul accepts Irulan's hand, prompting a tearful Chani to depart.

Later, Paul learns that not all the Great Houses have accepted his ascension. He then commands the Fremen army to advance, declaring their mission to "send them to paradise." Gurney, Stilgar, and many others rally to his cause, marching forward. Jessica shares a final moment with Alia, acknowledging that the holy war has now commenced.