Denis Villeneuve's 2017 sci-fi sequel, Blade Runner 2049, starring Ryan Gosling, has become a streaming success on HBO Max, according to FlixPatrol. The film is currently the number one movie on the service globally. This renewed popularity contrasts with its initial box office performance, where it grossed $277 million against a $150 million budget.
Blade Runner 2049 continues the narrative established in Ridley Scott's 1982 original. The first film is set in a dystopian Los Angeles where bioengineered beings known as replicants are used for labor and are hunted by special police units called "blade runners." Harrison Ford starred as Rick Deckard, a blade runner tasked with retiring rogue replicants.
The sequel picks up decades later, following Officer K, portrayed by Gosling, another blade runner within the LAPD. K's investigation unearths a secret with the potential to disrupt the precarious balance between humans and replicants. His search eventually leads him to connect with Deckard and unravel mysteries left from the original film. The movie blends elements of detective fiction, dystopian romance, and slow-burn science fiction thriller.
Upon its release, Blade Runner 2049 was lauded by critics as a successful legacy sequel that honored its predecessor without simply rehashing its plot. Polygon's review at the time praised its immersive visuals, from neon-drenched cityscapes to desolate desert landscapes, and its impactful score, which together create a future that feels both familiar and alienating.
The film holds an 88% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers frequently highlighting its stunning visuals and haunting score. Blade Runner 2049 is considered one of Gosling's notable sci-fi performances, featuring a more reserved and solitary hero than typically seen in the genre. With the upcoming Prime Video series Blade Runner 2099, the 2017 film now serves as a critical link between the original Blade Runner and the franchise's future installments.