Dune: Part Two Storyline Explained

I may be a bit biased, but as a self-professed enthusiast, I'm already eyeing "Dune: Part Two" as a standout contender for the title of movie of the year. Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel expertly captures the essence that captivated me as a teenager.

Warning: spoilers lie ahead as we delve into the rich tapestry of Dune's history, culture, and essence. If you plan to watch this epic, stock up on popcorn and soda because this three-hour spectacle brimming with breathtaking and spine-tingling moments.

I am utterly amazed by Villeneuve's use of brutalist aesthetics, and his portrayal of the planet Harkonnen stands out as the most cinematic depiction I've witnessed in theaters in recent years; it's truly breathtaking. Villeneuve's philosophically charged sci-fi space opera is so impressive that the aesthetics and cinematography are nearly flawless.

In Dune: Part Two, we pick up right where we left off in the first installment. Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) find refuge with the Fremen tribe, Sietch Tabr, led by Naib Stilgar (Javier Bardem), on the desert planet Arrakis, also known as Dune.

Paul, endowed with prescient abilities, is aware of his unborn sister, Alia, who exists as an embryo in Lady Jessica's womb. Some Fremen view Paul as the prophesied Lisan Al-Ghaib, destined to lead them to victory against their oppressors and bring water to Arrakis's barren lands.

Amidst themes of vengeance, love, and power, Dune: Part Two unravels the saga of Paul's journey alongside the Fremen, including his bond with Chani Kynes (Zendaya), amidst the harsh realities of Arrakis.

To ensure a place for Paul and herself within the Fremen community of Sietch Tabr, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) consents to substitute their failing Reverend Mother by undergoing a ritual that includes consuming the Water of Life, a potent form of spice derived from drowning a young sandworm. Though the specifics of the ceremony differ across societies, this mirrors the procedure employed to elevate all Bene Gesserit sisters to the rank of Reverend Mothers, granting them entry to the memories of their predecessor in the position as well as their ancestral lineage through the unlocking of their genetic memory.

Villeneuve's adaptation diverges significantly from the source material with the introduction of Alia, Jessica's peculiar child. In the film, Paul's assimilation into Fremen culture is condensed into a few months, whereas in the books, it spans years. During this period, Alia emerges as a leader of a formidable Fremen faction comprising women, children, and elderly individuals, compelling even the Emperor's feared Sardaukar troops to retreat.

Alia orchestrates her own capture to ensure she is brought before the Emperor and Baron Harkonnen. During this encounter, she unsettles the Emperor's Reverend Mother advisor by delving into her thoughts—an ability Alia clarifies as not telepathy, but rather a connection with other Reverend Mothers through ancestral memory. When the Fremen launch their assault, Alia takes matters into her own hands and dispatches Baron Harkonnen by administering a fatal dose of gom jabbar, the poison needle utilized by the Bene Gesserit in their tests of endurance.

While David Lynch depicted this scene in his 1984 adaptation of "Dune," it's understandable that Villeneuve opted to allocate the pivotal moment of retribution to Paul instead. However, should Villeneuve proceed with his envisioned adaptation of "Dune Messiah," Alia will assume a central role portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy. In "Dune: Part Two," Taylor-Joy's character briefly appears, guiding Paul through his own trial involving the Water of Life.

The Bene Gesserit have dedicated 90 generations to a meticulous breeding project aimed at producing the Kwisatz Haderach, a male capable of attaining the abilities of a Reverend Mother. Both Paul Atreides and his cousin Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen (Austin Butler) are outcomes of this endeavor—initially, Paul was intended to be a girl destined to mate with Feyd-Rautha. However, following the purported eradication of the Atreides by the Harkonnens on Arrakis, the Bene Gesserit dispatch Lady Margot Fenring (Léa Seydoux) to ensure the survival of at least a portion of the experiment.

In the novel, Margot observes Feyd-Rautha's display of prowess in the gladiatorial arena before outlining her strategies. Villeneuve, however, depicts her manipulating the future Baron Harkonnen's psyche, enticing and subjecting him to the gom jabbar test. She returns from her mission pregnant with a daughter, confident in her ability to manipulate Feyd-Rautha through seduction.

In my view, Denis Villeneuve meticulously depicted the captivating and futuristic universe portrayed in the book. From the intricacies of the planets and costume designs to the rich inspirations drawn from North African and Middle Eastern cultures, every aspect resonated profoundly. The impeccable sound design added another layer of immersion, evoking a sense of wonder that reverberated through every seat in the cinema. Friends, "Dune: Part Two" promises to be a cinematic masterpiece, blending intricate storytelling, captivating visuals, and profound themes, making it a must-watch for movie enthusiasts everywhere.