After a three-year gap, Denis Villeneuve’s ambitious adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune finally received a conclusion this year. It can hardly be described as a surprising film, since it understandably repeats the tone and aesthetic of 2021’s first part. It does seem a more satisfying film, but to a large degree that boils down to where the original novel was split. Much more happens in Part Two, and they are generally more interesting events as well. Combined together, the entire five-and-a-half hour epic form a well-produced, worthy translation of Herbert’s book to the screen.

It feels more consistent as well. The closest films to which one can compare Dune is Peter Jackson’s three-part The Lord of the Rings, and that particularly trilogy became less effectively directed with each film. By shooting Dune separately, and giving each film its own schedule for filming, editing, and visual effects, Villeneuve has managed to keep the quality high and the texture of the piece in line.

The film picks up with Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) and his mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) in the hands of the Fremen – the indigenous peoples of the planet Arrakis. While they learn the Fremen’s ways, the ruling Harkonnen struggle to maintain control in the face of growing terrorist attacks. It is all a big obvious allegory for Western domination of the Middle East, combined with warnings against messianic religion. It is not a surprise to read that Villeneuve may adapt Herbert’s sequel novel Dune Messiah, as this film does feel as if it has left these themes somewhat unresolved.

There is beautiful design work here, that seems to lean into a more classical look from old science fiction artwork of the 1960s and 1970s. It is also – as was Part One – exceptionally cast. In addition to returning players such as Javier Bardem, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, and Dave Bautista, Part Two adds Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Austin Butler, and Lea Seydoux. It is the sort of all-star cast that really benefits this sort of science fiction epic, as the high quality cast can add a lot of gravitas that the screenplay does not.

It is a problem that has affected both parts. The films emphasize plot and spectacle over character, and tend to leave key sequences slightly under-developed and lacking in depth. Here it particularly affects the climax, and leaves one craving a little more time to see how events affect and shape the key characters. The result is a very good film, but one that falls short of that elusive classic status. The design, locations, effects, and particularly Hans Zimmer’s wonderful score, all point to something marvellous. In the end it just feels a tiny bit sparse and dry.