Movies News Talk
Viewers are left wondering in the climax scenes of Dune: Part Two about Chani's resistance to welcome Paul Atreides as the Fremen leader. Chani has deep doubts even while many view Paul as the prophesied messiah. This essay explores the themes of Fremen self-determination, the manipulation of prophecy, and the inherent danger of Paul's destiny in order to explain Chani's opposition.
Chani's relentless conviction in the Fremen's right to self-determination drives her resistance to Paul's leadership. Driven by the Missionaria Protectiva of the Bene Gesserit, the elder generation of Fremen readily embraces the Lisan al Gaib prophesy. But Chani and the younger Fremen see through the manipulation and identify the prophecy's inherent colonialist undertones. Particularly one from off-world, they wonder why they need an outsider to guide them.
Chani and her friends are dubious of the Bene Gesserit-planted prophecy. Chani stays cautious even if the Fremen leader, Stilgar, welcomes Paul's ability to fulfill the prophecy. Along with Shishakli, she questions the story and proposes the Bene Gesserit created the prophecy to subjugate the Fremen. Lady Jessica, a Bene Gesserit agent, who actively supports Paul's role as the savior fuels this doubt even more.
The movie shows Paul's sad road and emphasizes the risks of following the "selected one" story. Chani sees Paul's increasing prescience, his future visions, and the mounting religious fervor all around him. Her fear of his fate results from this awareness of the great force and possibility for damage involved. Chani clearly shows her concern in trying to stop Paul from completing the Water of Life ritual that releases his prescience and hence confirms his fate as the Lisan al Gaib.
Chani's opposition stems from her love for Paul, not from her view of Fremen self-determination or her doubt of the prophecy. She becomes afraid seeing his increasing acceptance of the messiah position. She knows he is meant to follow a road of power, violence, and finally a distance from the person she loves. Her choice to depart at the end of the movie captures her great grief and her rejection to participate in his sad destiny.
Chani's leaving at the end of Dune: Part Two marks her unflinching faith in Fremen self-determination and her rejection to help Paul to fulfill his destiny. Her absence among Paul's victory reminds us of the results of following a preordained road. But Chani's path has some promise. She is evidence of the strength and resiliency of the human spirit since she stands for the possibility of opposition against a preordained fate.