Every action scene is nimbly choreographed and memorably cool.
Every actor is at the top of their game.
Every sound serves a purpose, every line a theme.
Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya in Dune: Part Two (2024) | IMDb
When critics say its a defining movie of the sci-fi genre, thats not hyperbole.
Still,Dune 2did make some notable tweaks to the novel in the name of cinematic awesomeness.
But some of those tweaks are more noticeable.
Zendayas character, Chani, is much more dynamic in the movies than in the novel.
And if itiscloser to Herberts vision, thats due to one major change.
In fact, Alia was nowhere to be found.
Timothée Chalamet in Dune: Part Two (2024) | IMDb
She only appeared once, in the form of Anya Taylor-Joy, in a dream that Paul had.
This was perhapsDune 2s largest departure from its parent text.
She could already walk and engage in diplomatic relations before she was one.
That doesnt mean that it wasnt gaggy to have Paul kill his grandfather instead.
In reality, it sped up his character development and set the tone forDune 2s inevitable sequel.
But the stabbing strengthened the idea that Paul was down a dark path, underscoring that final line.
Thats not the life lesson you give to someone whos going to turn out OK.
Though markedly different from the books, this Alia-less climax is still loyal to Frank Herberts overall goal.
A perfect anti-hero, if you will.
But at least the movies arent pretending otherwise anymore.
