The sandworm sequences in Dune: Part Two are purportedly director Denis Villeneuve’s favorite. However, they were somewhat underwhelming. Dune (2021) merely hinted at these colossal desert creatures, reminiscent of the mean shark in Jaws, where we only saw glimpses until the final reveal.
In Dune: Part Two, we still only witness sand gushing like a geyser as the massive worms move, with their gaping mouths resembling a sea anemone. We do not see their eyes or the ‘legs’ that propel them at high speed. The mechanics of the sandworm’s movement remain a mystery. Villeneuve rightly points out that author Frank Herbert did not provide sufficient information on this aspect.
Moving on to the film itself, Dune: Part Two continues from where Dune left off. Paul (Timothée Chalamet) and his mother, Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), must navigate suspicion from the fremen, the native people of Arrakis, following an attack on House Atreides. Arrakis, though a desert, is crucial to the empire due to its spice production, necessary for interplanetary travel and longevity.
Power struggles ensue between the antagonistic Harkonnen, led by the Baron (Stellan Skarsgård) and his nephews, and the Emperor (Christopher Walken). The shadowy Bene Gesserit order, represented by Jessica and others, also plays a significant role. Paul, mentored by Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin) and Fremen leader Stilgar (Javier Bardem), eventually accepts his role as their leader. He also finds love in Chani (Zendaya), a Fremen warrior.
While visually stunning and featuring impressive battle sequences, Dune: Part Two leans more towards a conventional sci-fi war movie than the meditative aspects of the original novel. The relationship between Paul and Chani feels somewhat unbalanced, trying to juggle teen romance, epic emotion, and political relevance. Nonetheless, the film retains the epic scale and grandeur characteristic of Villeneuve’s work.
Overall, Dune: Part Two is a visually captivating epic event movie, albeit with some narrative shortcomings. It leaves audiences eagerly awaiting a potential Part Three, which might provide further insight into the enigmatic sandworms.