Distributed by Legendary Pictures and Warner Brothers, Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” explores the planet of Arrakis, where extreme weather, high sand dunes and large sandworms are the norm. Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, leads the natives of Arrakis, also known as the Fremen, to seek revenge on his enemies who destroyed his family. Additionally, he must decide what he wants to do with his new identity and face tough decisions while fighting to protect his people and their valuable resource, spice.

On Oct. 22, 2021, “Dune: Part One” was released as a compliment to the “Dune” book series written by Frank Herbert. Recently, “Dune: Part Two” was released in theaters on March 1, 2024, with many people taking interest in watching it, even if they had not watched the first movie.

“I tried to make the second part so you don’t necessarily need to have seen part one. It’s a movie that will be more rewarding if you watch part one, but you can enjoy part two without having seen the first one,” Denis Villeneuve said in a YouTube interview.

The first movie was solely for Paul Atreides to explore the planet of Arrakis and ultimately figure out who he is and what he is meant to fulfill. “Dune: Part Two” emphasized him connecting his newfound identity with problems he goes through on Arrakis, and how he uses his position of power to fight and lead. He finds a personal identity in part one but is given a choice to accept the second identity presented by the natives of Arrakis. The identity that the Fremen give him ties with the topic of religion, seeing as they believe that the “Mahdi” or Messiah, will come one day to free them and bring peace.

 “A common theme I found in the movie was fate versus free will. Paul’s decisions are based on following his fate, or choosing free will,” FHS junior Maryam Diaz said.

Throughout the movie, there is a shift that happens within Paul, and his morals change after accepting the identity that the Fremen give him. This is due to the fact that it gave him a position of power, but it also gives the viewers the message that once one receives authority, one can start to act differently.

“My favorite character is Paul Atreides because throughout the movie, he shows change,” Diaz said. “He faces tough decisions that can alter his life, and it was just interesting to watch.”

Overall, “Dune: Part Two” continued the saga well, delving deeper into the topics of religion, politics and personal conflicts as Paul Atreidies embraces his destiny as the Mahdi and explores the sands of Arrakis. It was very complex and detailed, with many concepts that are interesting for viewers to contemplate, while also delivering a fun, fantasy-like storyline.