Review of Blade Runner 2049 (2017) by Meg C — 07 Oct 2017

A spellbinding and atmospheric thriller that, through and through, lives up to the original. While not as ambiguous as the 1982 original, the sequel dishes up a surprising narrative payoff and stunning visuals.

The way director Villeneuve uses light, shadow, and color throughout 2049 creates beautiful cyberpunk imagery of LA in the future. The cinematography is equally fantastic, as it gives the stark geometry of towering buildings and slums a larger-than-life feel.

A fitting musical score drives the atmosphere home with brooding synths and orchestral swells that paint the bleak future of 2049. Alongside of the overall atmosphere the great cast does a fantastic job at brining this very personal story to life, and the various themes they explore with the audience are well presented and explored "just enough" as to get viewers thinking.

While it's been a longtime coming the sequel to the cult classic treads both new thematic ground yet remains faithful to the style and pacing of the original. It's a more approachable moving than the first, but to truly appreciate where it comes from viewers should watch The Final Cut first.

A gorgeous and beautiful film that I personally can't wait to see again.