Few actors can match the mesmerising charisma that Ryan Gosling exudes in colossal proportions. Always ready with a cheeky grin and whipsmart comeback, Gosling’s role reflects this side of his persona often. He is earning high praises for his turn as Ken in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Barbie, but one of his most soulful performances happens to be in a sci-fi epic currently streaming on Netflix.
Whether he’s portraying a stubborn lover in The Notebook or playing a stoic, mysterious fella in films like Drive, Gosling’s performances are always a treat to behold. But it is the futuristic sci-fi masterpiece, Blade Runner 2049, that all Gosling fans should make a point to watch.
Villeneuve mentioned about the themes that tie it to the 1982 original, “The first movie was a film noir, quite intense with melancholia and an existential crisis, so we are not far away from the thematics of the first movie, I will say. It’s the same genre, the same atmosphere.”
Before delving into the magnificence of Blade Runner 2049, it’s essential to understand the legacy of its predecessor. The original Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott, hit theatres in 1982, and despite a lukewarm reception upon release, it went on to achieve cult status. Set in a dystopian future where advanced human-like androids known as replicants roam the Earth, the film explored profound themes of identity, humanity, and the nature of consciousness. Its unique blend of science fiction and neo-noir aesthetics left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing countless films that followed.
What is Blade Runner 2049 about?
In Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049, the story unfolds 30 years after the events of the original film. Society is still grappling with the repercussions of the past, and new discoveries threaten to plunge the world into chaos once again. Officer K, portrayed by Gosling, is a blade runner who hunts down and “retires”, aka kills old model replicants who have gone rogue.
During one of his missions, he stumbles upon a long-buried secret that has the potential to alter the course of humanity forever. His journey to unravel the mystery leads him to Rick Deckard, the former blade runner played by the iconic Harrison Ford, who has been missing for three decades.
Gosling’s portrayal of Officer K is nothing short of remarkable. As the film’s central character, he expertly conveys the internal conflict and emotional depth that define Officer K’s journey. Gosling brings a quiet intensity to the role with nuanced expressions and delivers a performance that stays long after the credits roll. Eoghan Lyng wrote for Far Out Magazine, describing it as “an icy, angular experience” that Gosling delivers with finesse.
With Gosling and Ford at the helm of this cinematic experience, the cast also boasts of Ana de Armas, and Robin Wright, among others. Villeneuve, known for his masterful direction in films like Arrival, Sicario, and now Dune lends his visionary talent to create a visually stunning and emotionally evocative world.
You can watch Blade Runner 2049 on Netflix right now.
