The second chapter of Denis Villeneuve’s suitably epic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal novel follows immediately from the ending of Dune: Part One (2021), with Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) fleeing from the attack orchestrated by sworn enemy Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) that has all but wiped out House Atreides. In the deep desert of Arrakis, the two find refuge with the Fremen people, led by Stilgar (Javier Bardem). Believed to be a long prophesied figure who will lead the Fremen in changing the face of Arrakis, Paul orchestrates the battle to avenge himself against House Harkonnen. Villeneuve integrates Herbert’s complex, cerebral portrayal of the machinations of power, control, and belief, and the manipulations each can exert on the other, into a visually thrilling film that, presented on 70mm, will make for an unforgettable cinema experience.

Notes by Kevin Coyne