The first reactions to Dune 2 are overwhelming, but we can expect a devastating experience

The cinema release of Dune: Part Two is less than two weeks away. However, the hotly anticipated sci-fi sequel has already celebrated its premiere and so critics have already been able to announce their first reactions – and these are overwhelmingly positive. We have put together a picture of the mood for the sequel, which is being called a “masterpiece” by countless people.

Dune 2 impresses with its epic sci-fi and captivating characters in initial critical reactions

Dune 2 picks up exactly where Dune left off two and a half years ago: after the house of Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) has all but wiped out House Atreides in order to regain control of the planet Arrakis (including its valuable substance Spice), Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) fled to the desert with his mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson). Here they hope for help from the local Fremen like Chani (Zendaya) to fight back.

Dune 2 launches on February 29, 2024 in the cinema. The first reactions to the sci-fi highlight 2 hours and 46 minutes running time you can find it here:

I was conflicted about the first Dune film. But Dune: Part Two is phenomenal. He is one of them best sci-fi films I’ve ever seen. I want to ride a sandworm.

No one will be shocked by the fact that I absolutely loved Dune 2. Incredible filmmaking. Brilliant film music. The entire cast was excellent. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer. No joke. The film is 2 hours and 40 (?) minutes long and I would have loved to watch another hour.

Denis Villeneuve makes a perfect landing with Dune 2: the film is one fascinating, frightening character study told on a gloriously massive sci-fi scale. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya are INCREDIBLE in this. The sets leave your mouth agape and the supporting cast elevates the rest. It’s great.

Dune 2 is justifiably Denis Villeneuve’s magnus opus and a masterpiece. The film throws you right into the action, is entirely immersive and captivating, and ultimately devastating.
Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya have never been better. Just really impressive filmmaking. I am full of admiration.

Dune: Part Two surpasses Part 1 in every way as an amazing sci-fi epic. Denis Villeneuve made his dream come true […] with a tour de force that we rarely see these days. […] Timothée Chalamet gives his most beguiling and dark performance yet. Zendaya is the heart of the film, while Austin Butler enjoys playing pure psychotic evil. But the scariest performance is given by Javier Bardem, who perfectly captures the dangerous message of fundamentalism from the novel. Bring me [die Fortsetzung Dune] Messiah!

Dune 2 is Denis Villeneuve’s The Empire Strikes Back and Lawrence of Arabia. A sci-fi opera that not only has a grand scale, but also a mesmerizing and emotionally devastating story. Austin Butler will be talked about by a lot of people, but Timothée Chalamet made my jaw drop to the floor. Villeneuves immersive cinema Nirvana is a sci-fi masterpiece.

So the reactions are consistently enthusiastic. Or as Deadline puts it: Dune 2 “is off to a great start with the critics who Foaming at the mouth trying to describe how overwhelming the film is“.

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