Dune: Part Two is the follow-up to the first Dune which won the most Academy Awards in 2021, taking home six trophies. It is directed by Denis Villenueve, and this movie sees Paul Attradies uniting with the Fremen people of the desert planet Arrakis to wage war against House Harkonnen. 

For many, this was one of the most anticipated films of the year, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Denis Villenueve succeeds in adapting Frank Herbert’s novel to the big screen and proves his versatility as a director. Some of his other great works being, Arrival, Sicario, and Prisoners. The world in which Dune: Part Two is showcasing is brought to life due to Denis’ fantastic direction and visuals. The movie clocks in at two hours and forty six minutes but paces perfectly, never dragging on a frame too long. 

Timothee Chalamet has proven himself to be a generational talent, and perhaps one of the best actors working today. He has had a great year between Dune: Part Two and Wonka, which he was also amazing in. Zendaya is also quite good in the movie, but it is the perfectly written relationship between the both of them that really makes you feel invested in these characters and the outcome of everything going on around them. 

Austin Butler, who most recently played Elvis Presley in 2023’s Elvis movie, plays the vicious villain here, a man who is very short tempered and dangerous. The second we meet this character we are reminded of the danger our protagonist will eventually have to face. This goes without saying, but Butler is amazing in the movie and is daunting in this role.

The sound design is jubilant and really helps you feel every exhilarating moment. The soundtrack is also masterful and worthy of purchase. Hans Zimmer did an amazing job putting it together. 

The cinematography also stood out to me, as every time we are treated to seeing a wider shot of Arrakis, I was floored by the stunning visuals. The action scenes were also incredible with the CGI being almost completely unnoticeable. It’s everything you could be wanting from a big Sci-Fi movie. Next year at the Oscars, this will be a heavy contender in all the crafts categories and will have a good chance at Best Picture. 

If you still haven’t gone out to the theaters to see the masterpiece that is Dune: Part Two, go watch it right now on the biggest screen possible.