Understanding Dune: Part Two's Conclusion

In Dune: Part Two, Paul Atreides becomes the most powerful and dangerous "mahdi" in the universe. Let's take a look at how the movie concludes.

In the first Dune film, House Atreides was granted control of Arrakis, a massive desert planet that houses the most valuable substance in the universe known as Spice. This substance is not only hallucinogenic and addictive but also crucial for extending life and enabling interstellar travel. The Emperor, with the help of their long-time rivals the Harkonnens, orchestrated this move as a sinister plot to eliminate the Atreides family.

The sequel begins right after the events of the first movie, with Arrakis under the control of House Harkonnen and Rabban attempting to resume the distribution of spice on the planet. At the same time, Paul is working to integrate himself with the desert-dwelling Fremen, while Chani remains skeptical about his role as the Lisan Al’Gaib. However, Lady Jessica's transformation into their Reverend Mother sparks the belief in his supposed prophecy.

As you watch Dune: Part Two, there is a lot of information to absorb, so here is what you should keep in mind as the film concludes: “You are not prepared for what is to come.”

Dune: Part Two ending explained

Chani and Paul Atreides in Dune Part Two

Warner Bros.

In Dune: Part Two, the story continues with a new chapter as Paul becomes the new Emperor, marrying Princess Irulan. However, the other great houses do not accept his rise to power and this leads to the beginning of a "holy war."

Paul's Journey in the Sequel: Temptation and Destiny

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At first, he expresses his desire to not take on a leadership role but rather to become a part of the Fremen, fighting alongside them and being close to Chani. However, he is also consumed by a deep desire for vengeance due to the invasion of Arrakis and, most importantly, his father's tragic death.

When Paul, Chani, and the Fremen ride sandworms to the south of Arrakis, they end up in a region that was once thought uninhabitable but is now occupied by fundamentalists. Paul is faced with the challenge of drinking the Water of Life, which is essentially the bright blue poison of the Shai Halud. Surprisingly, he survives this ordeal, even though it is usually fatal for men, and this confirms his identity as the Kwisatz Haderach.

In a vision of the future, Paul sees a scorched land with starving people, and Jessica is seen walking among them like an angel. However, this vision changes when he sees someone in a stillsuit climbing a dune and approaching an ocean. This person is revealed to be Alia, Paul's unborn sister, who warns him that he is not ready for what is to come and that it will hurt him deeply.

Elsewhere, the Baron assigns his nephew Feyd-Rautha the task of restoring order to Arrakis, which has been plagued by ongoing attacks and a shortage of spice shipments. Feyd-Rautha, who is also the Bene Gesserit's new focus and the father of Margot Fenring, carries out the Baron's orders by destroying Sietch Tabr in an attempt to eliminate or drive away the mysterious "Muad'Dib" (the Fremen name chosen by Paul, inspired by the adorable desert mice).

Paul Takes on the Title of Lisan Al’Gaib

Timothée Chalamet as Paul in Dune 2

Warner Bros.

How mistaken they are. Paul, who has now reconciled with Guerney (Josh Brolin), declares himself as the Lisan Al’Gaib. He tells the Fremen, "I am the voice of the outer world, I will lead you into paradise," and they gather behind him.

There is one small revelation: the Water of Life leads Paul to an astonishing discovery. Jessica is actually the Baron's daughter, which means Paul is the grandson of the Harkonnen leader. He informs his mother, "That's how we'll survive... by embracing our Harkonnen heritage."

The Emperor and his daughter arrive in Arrakis to confront the Baron for failing to stop the Fremen threat. This gives Paul the opportunity to act. He uses the Atreides’ secret atomics to attack the area near the Emperor’s ship and leads a massive army into battle. They ride on sandworms and easily defeat the enemy forces.

Afterwards, Paul kills the Baron by stabbing him in the throat and whispers "grandfather." He then commands the Emperor to eliminate the Sardaukar and leave the Baron's body in the desert. Later that night, Guerney defeats Rabban swiftly. He declares, "For my duke, and for my friends," before taking Rabban's life. If you're unsure about what happened, remember that we didn't see their intense confrontation in the first film, so trust that justice has been served.

The next day, the Emperor confronts Paul, Guerney, Chani, and the Fremen. He warns Paul about an impending "grave invasion" by the other great houses on Arrakis. However, Paul remains calm and confidently informs the Emperor that the other houses would not be happy to discover his involvement in the Atreides cull. He even goes as far as threatening to destroy the spice fields if another army arrives on the planet.

Gaius Helen Mohiam (played by Charlotte Rampling) tries to advise Paul, but he interrupts her by using the voice to command her to be silent. As she recoils from his power, she quietly refers to him as an "abomination," a term used by the Bene Gesserit to describe individuals unable to control resurfaced ego-memories.

Paul fights Feyd-Rautha and gives the Emperor an offer

Paul and Feyd-Rautha in Dune Part Two

Warner Bros.

Paul offers the Emperor a tempting proposal: to become the new Emperor of the universe, with Irulan as his wife. The Emperor, however, must answer for Paul's father, who believed in the rules of the heart. The Emperor explains that the heart is not meant to rule.

Paul's challenge to the throne requires a battle between champions from each side. The Emperor selects Feyd-Rautha, while Paul himself steps up. Guerney advises against facing such a savage opponent, but Paul insists it is his duty. When asked by Guerney why he takes so many risks, Stilgar simply states, "Muad'Dib leads the way."

Prior to their showdown, Paul discloses to Feyd that they are cousins - a fact that doesn't faze Feyd. They exchange words of challenge before engaging in a fierce knife fight. Although Paul sustains injuries, he emerges victorious by seizing an opportunity to fatally wound Feyd. "You fought bravely, Atreides," Feyd acknowledges before falling to the ground.

As Feyd lies dead on the ground, Jessica uses telepathy to talk to Helen. She tells Helen that she chose the wrong side. Helen responds by saying, "Reverend Mother, you should know there are no sides."

Before Paul can kill the Emperor, Irulan begs him to spare his life. She offers to be his bride and promises him the throne. While everyone else in the room bows to Paul, only he, the princess, and Chani remain standing. Knowing his decision has been made, Chani angrily leaves and rides a sandworm back north.

Guerney informs Paul that the powerful houses are not supporting his rise to power. Alia, even though still in the womb, speaks out loud, questioning her mother about the situation. "What's going on, mother?" she asks. "The holy war is starting," her mother replies. Paul gathers the forces of Arrakis to prepare for the upcoming battle against the universe.

Editor's P/S:

The conclusion of Dune: Part Two left me with a mix of awe and trepidation. Paul's transformation into the Lisan Al'Gaib and his subsequent rise to power was both exhilarating and unsettling. His unwavering determination and strategic brilliance were evident throughout, but the consequences of his actions left a bittersweet taste.

The impending holy war looms large on the horizon, and I can't help but wonder about the fate of Arrakis and its people. Paul's decision to embrace his Harkonnen heritage adds a layer of complexity to his character, and I am eager to see how this revelation will shape his future. The tension between his desire for vengeance and his desire for peace is palpable, and I am left wondering which path he will ultimately choose.