35 years after the sci-fi epic Blade Runner hit theatres to acclaim from critics but a resounding “meh” from audiences (don’t worry, they came to their senses later), Ridley Scott’s masterpiece is getting a sequel, Blade Runner 2049. What’s it all about? Well, that’s what we’re here to help you with. A quick rundown of who’s who, what’s what, and everything you need to know before stepping into the theatres. No spoilers, I promise!
What is Blade Runner 2049 About?
Once again set in the universe created by Phillip K. Dick in Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?, the movie picks up 30 years after the events of the Harrison Ford original. It follows another Blade Runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), who while hunting for replicants (as a Blade Runner is tasked to do) discovers a dark secret that could bring an end to humanity. Dum dum dum! The discovery leads him to Rick Deckard (Ford), a former Blade Runner who disappeared 30 years ago. And that’s about all you need to know about that. You can watch the trailer in the header above.
Where Is It Set?
Like the first film, 2049 is set in a futuristic version of Los Angeles, but this time the world is a lot more dark and decayed. The Tyrell Corporation has collapsed (along with the economy) and been rebranded as the Wallace Corporation, headed by the enigmatic replicant maker Niander Wallace (Jared Leto). As is the go with all future dystopias, the darkness boiling under the surface will come out eventually.
Who Is Behind It?
Earmarked for years as a return gig for Sir Ridley Scott (yes, he’s a sir!), Scott has in the intervening years segued into a producer role, leaving the director’s chair open for a newcomer… and what a replacement they found! Blade Runner 2049 is directed by French Canadian director Denis Villeneuve (Arrival, Siccario). Villeneuve has shown a mastery of mood, tension, and action in his relatively short career as a feature director, creating thoughtful movies that stay with you long after the credits have rolled. It’s exciting to see what he can do with this world.
Also exciting is the addition of master cinematographer Roger Deakins. Deakins filmography is long and stellar, including The Shawshank Redemption, Fargo, and No Country For Old Men, as well as Villeneuve projects Prisoners and Siccario. Just looking at the trailer for 2049 you know what Deakins can do with a camera, the film looks beautiful. Maybe this will be the film that finally gets Deakins that Oscar, after 13 nominations and no wins. It’s a travesty I tells ya!
Required Viewing
Finally, in the lead up to the release, Warner Bros has released 3 short films that are supposed to fill in the gaps between Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049. Watch them below to get a better sense of where the movie starts, or don’t and just go in blind. Your call, there’s no wrong answers here.
There you have it. You should have all the info downloaded to fool those pesky replicant tests. Keep an eye out for our review coming soon, and be sure to let us know what you thought of the Blade Runner 2049 in the comments section or on Facebook.