Review of Blade Runner 2049 (2017) by Quietgiant — 05 Oct 2017

Creating a worthy sequel to one of the most influential films of all time is one hell of a tall order. It deserves no less than a dream team of talent and thankfully that's exactly what it got. The direction is sharp, the visuals pop, the performances emanate, and the writing is true to the source without merely aping all the old notes or ruining all the mystery.

Core themes of the genre it helped create like the line between illusion and reality or defining humanity and one's identity are both upheld and explored in increasingly nuanced ways. Those worried about a neo noir film devolving into an action fest can breathe too as that was oversold by the marketing.

The one trademark I do miss though is Vangelis' multilayered, ever present composition. 2049 strikes a different tone and isn't afraid of quiet moments, but the absence of one of its predecessor's most defining features remains conspicuous.

Still, nearly everyone involved in the project is at the top of their game and should be proud of the work they've accomplished. Time will tell exactly how well the sequel stacks up to the 'original', but in any case it comes as close one could ask for today.

I can still scarcely believe it, myself.