A Sci-fi blockbuster epic with a smart plot but not so smart themes

Rating: 8/10 (4 February 2018)

It is rare to find a sequel that outshines the original in almost every way, and BR 2049 should be applauded for just achieving that feat. This is a visually stunning, narratively complex sequel which unfortunately inherits all the thematic weaknesses of the original and so falls a bit short in achieving the ultimate purpose of creating a SF movie, but still needs to be applauded for its ambition.
First the good bits : the set designs are unbelievably good and detailed, and it is clear that a lot of effort went in this imagining this future world in a logical and coherent fashion. The narrative is tight and complex and requires some attention on the part of the viewer to connect the dots. Some of the plot details are kept a little fuzzy, maybe intentionally, but it is still leaps and bounds better the original Blade Runner.
The core theme of BR has always been about asking what makes us humans, especially relevant in the future where we would have very smart and capable entities who can do things exactly (and sometimes much better) than humans, but they do not have the basic human rights. However, the replicants have exactly the same biological structure as humans, in other words, they are humans both from the inside and outside, but still they are not somehow regarded as humans?
This theme is much better explored if the entities are actually mechanically produced (such as androids) and have clear differences in their internal structure from humans. This would starkly differentiate them from humans, but still raise the thorny question of consciousness due to their abilities and intelligence. In BR, it is really hard for me to swallow that replicants are somehow not considered humans.