Review of Blade Runner 2049 (2017) by Ryan B — 18 Jun 2018

Ridley Scott's 1982 film Blade Runner is one of the greatest science fiction movies ever made. Not only was is beautiful to look at, but the broader questions about what makes us human are still used in film today.

We didn't need a sequel. No one wanted a sequel. The original, despite its influence, had only ever reached cult status, and indeed wasn't anywhere near a commercial success. There was no real evidence to suggest that a second installment would be financially successful, either.

Blade Runner 2049, really shouldn't have been made, but Denis Villeneuve demanded to tackle the task because he didn't "want anyone else to fuck it up". Somehow he made an epic visual masterpiece that not only gave reverence to its predecessor but also stands on its own and builds on the mythology created before it.

It addresses all of the questions, but without ever answering them, because to have the answers would cheapen the experience for both films. The movie also works as a self-contained story. Having seen the original will inform you a bit about the characters, but it isn't necessary.

It also lays the foundation for a continuation, as badly as I want to spend more time in this world, I would also be happy if they quit while ahead. Surely lightning can't be bottled a third time.