Beno🪼t’s review published on Letterboxd:
Great sequel to the franchise. Once again, Villeneuve presents us with a stylized and fully realized world where there are so many details that us geeks will fan over for decades. This film starts with a more humorous ambiance compared to its predecessor, which is greatly balanced to not overshadow the seriousness of the events unfolding. The second part is more action-packed, of which I’m a lesser fan, instead of soft political games like the first film, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
One aspect that stuck with me was how incredibly the Baron’s home planet, Giedi Prime, was depicted. The whole whitened scenes with the gladiator arena were so innovative. The contrast between it and Arrakis worked greatly to transition to the second half of the film. The extravagant brutalist buildings that had an HR Giger air to them mixed with elements of Nazi and the USSR created a haunting atmosphere that kept me very entertained.
Another element which I found so fierce were the Bene Gesserit as a religious organisation. In a world where the violation of enemy women can be a horrific weapon of war, the Bene Gesserit flipped that narrative. Rather than being victimised, they wield their wombs as a potent tool, manipulating men to serve their agenda. Such a brilliant concept that has something so poetic and powerful to it.
This film is made to be Hollywood blockbuster, however it is one of great quality. Denying oneself the experience of such a good time is pointless. (Special shout out to Rebecca Ferguson’s performance)
