Big Budget Sci-Fi Sequel On Netflix Improves On First Film In Every Way

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 25 seconds ago

Science fiction as a film genre often feels like something from a different universe. After all, the films with the most money behind them often end up being disappointing flops, and those made with a much slimmer budget often become cinematic classics. Because of that, we were delighted to see that one of the best big-budget sci-fi films of all time was available to stream. And if you’re ready to experience a sequel that improves on the first film in every way (or just want to learn how to ride a giant sandworm), then it’s time to stream Dunes: Part Two on Netflix.

Dunes: Part Two On Netflix

Courtesy of visionary director Denis Villeneuve, Dunes: Part Two is one that Netflix audiences will likely appreciate because, if nothing else, it has more action and less complex world-building than the previous film. This sequel continues the story of Paul Atreides and his mother, who live among the native Fremen after the brutal murder of his family by House Harkonnen. Paul learns to become the prophetic savior that the Fremen see him as, but it soon becomes clear that he may end up offering destruction rather than salvation to the galaxy at large.

If you are watching Dunes: Part Two for the first time on Netflixyou’ll probably be impressed by the stacked cast, including Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides and Zendaya as his Fremen love interest. Other returning stars include Rebecca Ferguson (who plays Paul’s Bene Gesserit mother), Josh Brolin (who plays Paul’s gruff mentor), and Stellan Skarsgård (who plays Baron Vladimir Harkonnen to creepy perfection). Franchise newcomers include fan favorite actors like Austin Butler (who plays the Baron’s evil nephew), Christopher Walken (who plays the Emperor), and Florence Pugh (the Emperor’s eldest daughter).

People Love Dunes

Long before Dunes: Part Two Landing on Netflix, it managed to impress moviegoers with its out-of-this-world quality. Accordingly, the ambitious sci-fi the sequel earned $714.4 million against a $190 million budget and left audiences clamoring for more. And it appears Denis Villeneuve ready to give it to them, with reports last year that the director and production company Legendary Pictures had already started work on it Messiah Dunesa film that is intended to be the end of this cinematic trilogy (although Villeneuve has said that he is not “closing the door” on the possibility of adapting later books of Frank Herbert’s long series of books).

You may have noticed that Dunes: Part Two is being pushed heavily to Netflix users, and there’s likely a reason for that. Simply put, this film was as popular with critics as it was with audiences. Ar Rotten tomatoesthe film has a critical score of 92 percent, and even has an audience score of 95 percent via the Popcornmeter. That means it’s the rare sci-fi epic that managed to be a critical and commercial hit, one whose success led to a good (but not great) spinoff HBO TV show. Dunes: Prophecy.

Given its big returns at the box office and glowing reviews from critics, I doubt I have to give sci-fi a thumbs up. that a lot of hard sell to stream Dunes: Part Two on Netflix. I will say this, though: I was one of the few geeks in my own circle of literary friends who hadn’t read the original Dune novel before diving into this film, and I was pleasantly surprised. how accessible the film is. newcomers. If you’re worried you won’t be able to keep up, the film expertly combines world-building with plot and characterization. Basically, every scene enriches your knowledge of this universe without ever feeling boring or rote.

TWY: PART TWO REVIEW SCORE

Now you will find Dunes: Part Two as wonderfully epic and charming as I made it out to be, or is this a film you’d rather feed to a giant worm? You won’t know until you stream it for yourself. If you see the famous sandworm (he can be a little shy), tell him that his weirdly erotic popcorn bucket and subsequent memes were probably the highlight of 2024 for nerdy moviegoers around the world.