Breaking Down The Movie Dune: Part Two
Film Synopsis Written by Vincent Smith & Michael Lee
Note: All Media in this article is courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures
Photo via Warner Bros. Pictures ● Image Credit: Alon Amir
Plot Synopsis: Dune: Part Two
Dune: Part Two - Official Trailer ● Video via Warner Bros. Pictures
After a few studio setbacks and multiple different release dates, Dune: Part Two has finally been released to the public. Denis Villeneuve, auteur behind cinematic monoliths Blade Runner: 2049, Arrival, and Dune: Part One, has crafted what some are calling "an epic sci-fi masterpiece” and “instant classic”. It is the direct sequel to Dune: Part One (2021) and is the second of a two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel Dune. It again follows the protagonist Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet) as he rallies the Fremen people of Arrakis to finally wage a war against the menacing House Harkonnen.
Dune: Part Two Movie Poster ● Photo Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures
The film opens with the beloved Princess Irulan Corrino (played by Florence Pugh) journaling, paying partial homage to David Lynch’s 1984 adaption of Dune. Irulan suspects that Paul Atriedes might still be alive while her father, Emperor Shaddam (played by Christopher Walken) IV, attempts to reconfigure his power. The film cuts to Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica (played by Rebecca Ferguson), as they are making their way to Sietch Tabar on the desert planet Arrakis, but are briefly thwarted by a Harkoonnen ambush; though with the help of the Freman, they overcome it. But there is a deep distrust brewing in the minds of the Freman people, as some suspect them to be spies for the Emperor while others still believe they are the prophecy incarnate, believing Paul and Lady Jessica will bring peace and beloved prosperity to the Freman and the planet of Arrakis, as once foretold by their ancestors.
Later, Siglar informs Lady Jessica that their Reverend Mother is dying. She is destined, according to prophecy, to resume her role and in order to do so, she must drink the Water of Life, which is a deadly poison designated to be fatal to any Male. Jessica drinks the potion and while doing so absorbs the memories of every single female ancestor in her lineage, including that of her unborn daughter. She begins to develop a spiritual connection with her child and converses with her inside of her womb. The child informs Lady Jessicia that the Fremen must first be convinced that her and Paul are the foretold prophecy. Chani (played by Zendaya) does not believe the prophecy or that Paul is a part of it, but Paul makes an impassioned speech about his disinterest in power and his dedication to preserving the Fremen and their people and Chani steps forward as an ally to Paul, fulfilling Paul’s vision from the first film.
Dune: Part Two - Official Trailer 2 ● Video via Warner Bros. Pictures
Paul then begins to further entrench himself within the Fremen culture, learning their language, becoming a Fedaykin fighter, and riding the sandworms of Arakkis, all of which impresses the Fremen a great deal. The relationship between him and Chani deepens, as both begin to develop romantic feelings towards one another as they both unite to conduct raids on Harkonnen spice harvesters, furthering their trust from one another. The Fremen finally begin calling Paul the Maud’Dib, his Fremen war name.
Meanwhile, we are again introduced to Glossu Rabban (played by Dave Bautista), who has been slowly losing his grip on spice production on Arakkis due to the several targeted attacks by the Fremen, is now attempting daily raids on the Fremen to please his uncle, Baron Harkonnen, who has now returned to his homeworld of Geidi Prime after murdering Paul’s father, Duke Leo Atreides. We finally meet the Baron’s other nephew, Feyd-Rautha, who is introduced as a terrifying gladiator hungry for bloodsport as we watch him murder the rest of House Atreides. Baron is displeased with Rabban’s rule of Arrakis, making Feyd-Rautha the new leader.
Dune: Part Two - Official Trailer 3 ● Video via Warner Bros. Pictures
Jessica now travels southward to unite the political fundamentalists there. Paul fears a holy war, which will ignite if he travels south as a Messiah, so he remains in the North to continue to dismantle spice production. Paul again reunites with his father's friend, Gurney Halleck (played by Josh Brolin), who is now a smuggler. Gurney leads Paul to hidden atomic warheads as they begin to prepare for war. However, Feyds troops attack and force Paul to journey South. But before doing so, Paul consumes the Water of Life, falls into a coma and sees a vision of his newcoming sister Allia; also coming to understanding that the Baron is his maternal grandfather. He awakens only with the help of Chani.
Paul finally accepts his destiny as a Messiah and now assumes full power over the Fremen and challenges the Emperor, who has now arrived on Arrakis with his Sardaukar troops. Paul launches the atomic warheads at Arrakeen's stronghold fortress while the Fremen, riding their native sandworms, overpower the Emperor’s troops and breach Arrakeen's defenses. Paul seeks out the Baron in his throne room only to murder him there. He threatens to destroy the beloved spice forever unless the Emperor surrenders his throne to him. Feyd-Rautha attempts to duel Paul but loses, granting Paul the position of Emperor, as the former Emperor kisses his hand. The Emperor's daughter, Irulan offers her hand to Paul in marriage. Chani leaves, upset with Paul’s agreement to Irulan’s offer of marriage. In the final scene, Lady Jessica remarks to her unborn daughter Alia, that this is only the beginning of the Holy War.
Cast Breakdown with IMDB Links
In this section, we’ll dive into the illustrious cast that brings ‘Dune: Part Two’ to life. From Zendaya's portrayal of ‘Chani’ to Timothée Chalamet's embodiment of ‘Paul Atreides’, each actor contributes to the depth and richness of this epic saga.
Zendaya as ‘Chani’ in Dune: Part Two ● Photo Via Warner Bros. Pictures
Timothée Chalamet as ‘Paul Atreidesin’ in Dune: Part Two ● Photo Via Warner Bros. Pictures
Stellan Skarsgård as ‘The Baron’ in Dune: Part Two ● Photo Via Warner Bros. Pictures
Rebecca Ferguson as ‘Lady Jessica’ in Dune: Part Two ● Photo Via Warner Bros. Pictures
Léa Seydoux as ‘Lady Margot’ in Dune: Part Two ● Photo Via Warner Bros. Pictures
Josh Brolin as ‘Gurney Halleck’ in Dune: Part Two ● Photo Via Warner Bros. Pictures
Javier Bardem as Stilgar in Dune: Part Two ● Photo Via Warner Bros. Pictures
Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan in Dune: Part Two ● Photo Via Warner Bros. Pictures
Dave Bautista as Beast Rabban in Dune: Part Two ● Photo Via Warner Bros. Pictures
Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam IV in Dune: Part Two ● Photo Via Warner Bros. Pictures
Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha in Dune: Part Two ● Photo Via Warner Bros. Pictures
‘Dune: Part Two’ in the Media
When "Dune: Part Two" premiered on March 1, 2024, it swiftly became a focal point of discussion across the entertainment industry, captivating audiences and critics alike. This section highlights the diverse coverage and perspectives from major media outlets on the film.
Vanity Fair: Dune: Part Two Is Bigger and Better
Time: A Dune Family Tree to Help Explain That Part Two Surprise Reveal
Vogue: The Best Looks From the Dune: Part Two Press Tour
Screen Rant: 10 Most Exciting Things To Expect From Dune 2
Gizmodo: Dune: Part Two Reactions Hail a New Sci-Fi Classic
Wired: Dune: Part Two Fulfills the Prophecy of Dune
Men’s Health: Dune: Part Two Is an Ambitious Epic With a Budget to Match
Space.com: 'Dune: Part Two' tries to find its pulse in a plodding sci-fi spectacle (review)
Esquire: Denis Villeneuve Says Dune 2 Was Influenced by a Scorsese Classic
USA Today: See the full 'Dune: Part Two' cast: Who plays Paul, Chani, Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in 2024 sequel?
Esquire: How Dune: Part Two Differs From the Book
The Hollywood Reporter: Tim Blake Nelson Joins Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune: Part 2’ (Exclusive)
Associated Press: Zendaya stuns at ‘Dune: Part Two’ world premiere in vintage silver cyborg suit by Mugler
CNN: Another ‘Dune’ movie is ‘in the works,’ but Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya don’t know how it all ends
Conclusion
"Dune: Part Two" captivated audiences with its stunning visuals and star-studded cast, reaffirming its status as a beloved cornerstone for fans of the franchise. This sequel not only continues the epic saga with compelling depth and intricacy, but also sets a new benchmark for storytelling within the science fiction genre. For more breakdowns of Hollywood’s latest releases, be sure to check out the movies section of our site!
