"A stunning sequel that truly belongs."

Rating: 9/10 (8 October 2017)

Blade Runner 2049 is directed by Denis Villeneuve and stars Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, Robin Wright, Jared Leto, Sylvia Hoeks, Harrison Ford, Mackenzie Davis and Dave Bautista.
A young blade runner's discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former blade runner Rick Deckard, who's been missing for thirty years. (15 cert, 163 mins)
The year is 1982. Ridley Scott's Blade Runner has been poorly received in its theatrical run. Jump forward to 2017. Blade Runner is widely regarded as one of the most skilfully crafted world-building sci-fi achievements in film history. A sequel is upon us. Blade Runner 2049 is here. But how does it perform? Does it require you watch the original? The answers I give you are simple and will not spoil a thing.
Denis Villeneuve is one of the best directors working today. Arrival. Sicario. Incendies. Prisoners. Enemy. He has an incredible body of work to fall back on. When I heard the news of Villeneuve directing a new Blade Runner, I was intrigued. I knew that he could create something truly brilliant, and he has. To answer the questions above; it performs extremely well. Not only does it continue the story faithfully, it's perfectly able to stand on its own. However, I'd highly recommend watching the original before seeing this. Like it or not, it acts as the foundation for this sequel. Despite the huge gap between the two films, the story and characters feel consistent. It hasn't been tacked on just to earn money, in fact the box office numbers prove otherwise. This is a worthy sequel that truly belongs.
Ryan Gosling leads with what looks to be a simple, single-shaded character but as the film unfolds, the layers of his performance do so too. By the film's end we are totally connected to Officer K, just as much as Deckard, played by Harrison Ford in a surprisingly strong and brilliant returning act. Alongside the aforementioned are a talented range of actors who each bring life to their wonderfully textured characters. Robin Wright is remarkable. Jared Leto performs with complexity, creating the strange yet fascinating presence of Niander Wallace. Sylvia Hoeks is the menacing Luv, and one of my favourite performers in the film. Ana de Armas and Mackenzie Davis are both delightful supplements. This cast is incredible.
Just as before, the futuristic vision of Los Angeles is intricately created and every single set and location looks the part. I'd liked to have seen more of the dystopian city, but I have to admire the direction to delve into the unfamiliar and expand the world of Blade Runner. It's been 30 years since Deckard disappeared, so you'd expect some advancement in technology and whilst there may be slight improvements, the world is at a stand-still after the 'blackout' 27 years prior.
After working together on two projects previously, Villeneuve enlists Roger Deakins as director of photography and the result is stunning. Each frame tops the last. Even in its state of stillness the camera feels very much alive. Somehow, Deakins manages to capture the bleakness in such a way that it's simply beautiful to look at. Even when the film reaches its slower moments you can rely on the cinematography to keep you invested. Paired with this is the incredible sound design, tearing through the frames like a knife to a painting, but in no bad way. This leads me onto something very important; music.
The music was such a huge part of the original Blade Runner, with Vangelis' beautiful synth-driven score. In order for 2049 to fully return us to that world, it required a worthy composer. Given Villeneuve's relationship with Jóhann Jóhannsson, it was no question he would take on the challenge. However, as the film neared completion the music wasn't capturing the feel intended, and so Jóhannsson was out. With very little time, Benjamin Wallfisch and Hans Zimmer stepped up and provided the film with some of the best synth work I've heard in years. It's dark. It's gritty. It's loud. Most importantly, it captures the sound of Vangelis' work on the original, but takes it in a whole new twisted direction. The duo have delivered something that may split audiences. It's not as melodically pleasing as I'd hoped, and I could wish for more cues like 'Mesa,' but I truly believe the score fits perfectly in the atmosphere of this film. It doesn't shatter what was created before, that goes for the music and the film itself. It simply builds upon these creations and provides a faithful continuation. Here's how I'd put it; Vangelis created warmth, Wallfisch & Zimmer created coldness. Watch both films with that in mind and you'll start to notice it.
Without saying too much; I found it to be better than the first, most notably in the storytelling. Beyond a few moments of slow-pacing, I can't fault it. This will go on to be a sci-fi classic, without a doubt.
Verdict; Blade Runner 2049 is a stunning sequel that truly belongs. A careful continuation, yet standing on its own. This is one of Denis Villeneuve's best works.
Blade Runner 2049 – ★★★★★ (9/10)