I made sure I re-watched the original Blade Runner prior to seeing Blade Runner 2049. I’m glad I did, otherwise I don’t believe I would have appreciated and understood this new film.
Blade Runner 2049 is a science fiction film that takes place 30 years after the events of the original feature. Whilst Deckard played by Harrison Ford is still in the picture, the front-runner of this film is now K, a young blade runner played by Ryan Gosling who unintentionally unearths a secret that could potentially change the world.
Blade Runner 2049 is an example of a sequel that is better than the original. Its plot is so intricate that it keeps you guessing whilst always being one step ahead of the audience. Each character holds their own dark secret and has a significant role to play in the story. A stand out character for me in this film would be Joi, the love interest of K played by Ana de Armas whose performance was extraordinary. Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford are also strong in their performances as both K and Deckard. From a futuristic concrete jungle, to an empty abandoned desert, the visuals and cinematography of Blade Runner 2049 are mesmerising. You really feel like you’ve left your cinema seat and have stepped into another world.
Blade Runner 2049 manages to provide a fresh new take on the Blade Runner franchise with a solid storyline enough to stand on its own, whilst still remaining true to its original 80’s counterpart. And while the film isn’t perfect, Blade Runner 2049 is just as weird as the first and will raise many questions and discussions for years to come.