Dune: Part Two has received overwhelming praise from critics following the film's worldwide premiere in London last night.
The second part of the sci-fi epic, directed by Denis Villeneuve, follows Timothee Chalamet's Paul Atreides as he battles against House Harkonnen for the future of the planet Arrakis.
Also starring in the film are Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Florence Pugh, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista and Javier Bardem - many of whom turned out for the screening in the British capital.
Variety's Courtney Howard wrote of the film: "#Dune2 is jaw-dropping, breathtaking & wildly exhilarating. It's an adrenaline rush to the head & heart, soaring in its spectacle-driven action sequences as much as it sings in its refined, evocative stillness. Timothée Chalamet & Zendaya turn in singular work. Austin Butler is absolutely transformative, captivating & seductively evil. Yet another compelling performance from Dave Bautista. Rebecca Ferguson tears up the screen, rising to commanding power. Florence Pugh turns in career best work."
Griffin Schiller wrote: "#DunePartTwo is not only Denis's magnum opus; it's the definitive sci-fi epic of a generation. A tragic tale of blind fanaticism & corruption. A spectacular, soulful, awe-inspiring masterclass of aesthetics & mood beautifully echoing Paul's turbulent journey. Left me speechless! The only thing I could think of leaving the theater is that some kid will watch #DunePartTwo & feel EXACTLY what I felt watching Revenge of the Sith in theaters In 05. A sweeping 00's style epic blockbuster that takes your breath away, makes you believe in what movies CAN be."
The Atom review website said: "REVIEW: MASTERPIECE EPIC!! Perfection. Surpasses Dark Knight & Empire Strikes Back. Stunning imagery, sweeping score, beautiful action & a holy war climax that entices every hole. Not just another sequel, it's the BEST film ever! A fitting end setting up what's next."
Deadline's Diego Andaluz posted: "#DUNEPartTwo is a monumental cinematic achievement. Greater than Part I on a narrative, technical, & thematic level, Villeneuve delivers with grander ambition aided by an extraordinary, morally complex performance from Timothee Chalamet. The first MUST SEE blockbuster of the year. Timothee Chalamet's performance in DUNE: PART TWO is unlike anything we've ever seen from him. Ranking among his best work, he leans into darkness and blurs the line between hero and villain on a masterful level to set up a potential all-timer of a performance in DUNE: MESSIAH."
Dune: Part Two is out on general release on March 1.
Neil Wilkes
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