With his command of every technical aspect on display in each moment of the runtime, Denis Villeneuve creates the kind of incredible immersive experience that is rare to find in the type of franchise we only get a few of each generation. It’s so good that it’s easy to take for granted how effective the filmmaking is; I don’t even notice how locked-in I am until something takes me out of it. The bad news about a project like this is that if something does happen to pull you out of the moment, it really stands out. 

I feel the need to preface this section of the review with the statement that Hans Zimmer is a genius, his Oscar win for the original score was deserved, and Loire Cotler is a fantastic vocalist…I roll my eyes every time they play that Gom Jabbar theme. The choice to rely on the human voice is an inspired decision that works so well for a story set in the year 10191, however, I still can’t take this particular piece seriously. Thankfully it is used much more sparingly than in the original film, but when something like Björk’s fully a cappella album Medulla exists, I can’t help but think Zimmer went with the most obvious option available. 

A much larger complaint I have with the movie is the overall tone. I have always preferred the Denis Villeneuve films with a strong emphasis on some emotion—movies like Prisoners and Arrival—as opposed to a more stoic or intellectual approach; i.e., Enemy. His Dune series certainly falls into the latter category. I did appreciate that this entry included some very funny humor that felt organic. Another element that adds some warmth is the romance between Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet. They both deliver strong performances, especially Timothée Chalamet.

Who knew ModdedController360 could be such a badass? This entire epic could fall apart if his performance isn’t convincing, but it always is. Paul changes a lot throughout the course of the story and Timothée Chalamet carries the audience with him the entire way. Austin Butler provides the perfect foil with his interpretation of Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. He stole every scene he was in through both his physicality and voice. At multiple points I wrongly thought it was the Baron speaking until the editing revealed Butler’s lips moving. 

I avoided reading the novel after watching Dune: Part One because I wanted Denis Villeneuve’s version to be how I initially experienced this story. Now that this chapter is concluded (kind of?) I am eager to read the book! I love the way this story serves as a harsh critique of the hero’s journey, the corruption of power, and blinding faith.