There are not many films that can be classified as a masterpiece. The Godfather and Godfather Part II are masterpieces. So is Lawrence of Arabia. Many think the Lord of the Rings films fall into that category (controversially, I don’t). I will, however, add another movie to the list. Denis Villenuve’s long-awaited Dune: Part Two. This is a film that not only will leave you breathless with its visuals and grasping at the effects but will take you on a journey you won’t expect. Think about how The Empire Strikes Back made you feel when you first saw it, and you will probably get the same feeling with this sci-fi epic.

Paul Atreides and his mother, Jessica, must find a way to win the Freman’s respect while finding a way to avenge the events previously. Yet this is harder than he’d imagine, as the planet comes under fire from the Baron and his soldiers.

I will try my hardest not to give too much away, just in case you haven’t seen Dune or want to see the sequel, so plot details will be kept to a minimum. I will say that Villeneuve has made a film that takes a complex plot about war, survival and corruption and managed to deliver a movie that never leaves you scratching your head or pondering what is happening. Frank Herbert’s enormous novel from the 60s is regarded as one of the most challenging books to read. Even some of the cast have confessed not to have read it. Yet in the hands of the Canadian filmmaker, he has laid out the complexity of the characters and the subplots with enough exposition to keep you on top of the storyline, while losing you in a world beyond our own. What he has done is created pure escapism.

The film is a visual treat. The planet of Arrakis is a barren sand world riddled by giant worms and covered in Spice, the precious material that has caused the battles between the planets. Looking at a vast array of orange and hues of red might not seem the most stimulating thing for 2 hours and 45 minutes. Yet Villeneuve and cinematographer Grieg Fraser manage to make the place mesmerizing and almost magical, as rock formations explode from the sand as a safe haven for the Freman. Add to that the incredible effects that never once leaves you thinking you are looking at something created by computer. Many recent films have dropped the ball with impact and world-building. This one pushes the bar so much higher.

The set pieces are eye-popping. From the riding of the giant worms, to the gladiatorial arena fight in which we get introduced to the Baron’s nephew, the psychotic Feyd-Rautha, to the finale and it’s immense battle scenes, this film just keeps delivering. Helped along by Hans Zimmer’s powerful score, it is a movie rich with content that complements each other. You genuinely feel your heart race faster as the Freman come under attack, or when Paul has to command his new army and standing on the ledge looking down of the thousands who he is leading.

As with the previous film, the cast is incredible, with not one actor in the wrong part or giving total commitment to the project. Timothée Chalamet returns as Paul and this time his character arc is more complicated, as he battles his position in the world and responsibilities. His relationship with Freman Chani, Zandaya, given much more to do this time, is the lightness that the film needs. Chalamet has now proven himself to be the actor to watch, and after this and Wonka, is there anything he cannot do? Rebecca Ferguson also returns as Lady Jessica, and like Chalamet, she has to cope with a much more complex character arc as she is given responsibilities that could push her into the realms of darkness. Javier Bardem brings humour as the Freman leader Stilgard.

The new characters are led by an outstanding evil Austin Butler as Freyd-Rautha, whose level of pure nastiness rises throughout. As the Emperor’s daughter, Florence Pugh isn’t given much to do, but you can tell she is laying the groundwork for something more detailed in Part Three.

Dune: Part Two is an incredible cinematic spectacle that demands you to see it on the biggest screen with the best sound. Trust me, in IMAX, you feel part of the film as the rumbles of the baseline literally shake your chairs. It is a film that, in years to come, will be regarded as a template for how a sci-fi action film should be made. Epic in scale and epic in storytelling. As I said at the beginning, I will repeat it: this is a masterpiece!

5 out of 5

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Zandaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling

Written by: Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts and (based on the novel) Frank Herbert

Running Time: 166 mins

Cert: 12A

Release date: 1st March 2024