‘Blade Runner 2049’ First Reactions Praise Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Mind-Blowing’ and ‘Masterpiece’ Sequel

The first reactions are pouring in from critics who have seen “Blade Runner 2049,” and to call them “great” would be a massive understatement. Words like “masterpiece” are being thrown around by more than one critic when talking about Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated sequel, which means you’ll probably want to order tickets right now to what is shaping up to be the most acclaimed blockbuster of the fall.

“Blade Runner 2049” is set thirty years after the events of Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking original. The plot concerns Ryan Gosling’s Officer K, a member of the Los Angeles Police Department who is tasked with finding the missing Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) in an attempt to save humanity from a replicant manufacturer named Niander Wallace, played by Jared Leto. The supporting cast includes Robin Wright, David Bautista, and Mackenzie Davis.

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Villeneuve, who earned an Oscar nomination for “Arrival” earlier this year, has been one of the biggest rising directors in Hollywood over the last year. He earned three critical and commercial hits with “Prisoners,” “Sicario,” and “Arrival,” but “Blade Runner 2049” marks a whole new venture in his career. Fortunately, it seems like the director’s first franchise film is a huge success and should only give him more creative freedom with studios moving forward.

“Blade Runner” opens in theaters October 6. Check out a roundup of the insanely positive first reactions below.

Good news! BLADE RUNNER 2049 is a terrific continuation and expansion of the orig. Wasn’t hoping for much, ended up LOVING it. (Even Leto!)

— Jordan Hoffman (@jhoffman) September 26, 2017

I’ve seen #BladeRunner2049. I looks amazing, characters and performances are strong, stays true to the original but there are flaws.

— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) September 26, 2017

BLADE RUNNER 2049 is sci-fi masterpiece; the kind of deep-cut genre film we don’t see anymore. Visually mind blowing, absolutely fantastic pic.twitter.com/A1d6ohmj3s

— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) September 26, 2017

I think this Blade Runner is better than the original, and also proves Denis Villeneuve is the most exciting director working right now

— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) September 26, 2017

Everyone bow down to Denis Villeneuve. He’s done the impossible and delivered a huge home run with ‘Blade Runner 2049’. Loved it. pic.twitter.com/fjhAJgnwqT

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) September 26, 2017

Even if you have no interest in the film, the breathtaking Cinematography by Roger Deakins is worth the price of admission. He’s a God. pic.twitter.com/vofTBDqsjJ

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) September 26, 2017

All I can say about BLADE RUNNER 2049 is…give Roger Deakins the Oscar now. Absolutely stunning visuals pic.twitter.com/OuKLcngoYz

— Jesse Hawken (@jessehawken) September 26, 2017

I saw #BladeRunner2049 and it is BREATHTAKING. It’s an impressive follow-up, preserving mysteries, adding new ones, expanding the universe.

— The Bibbidook (@WilliamBibbiani) September 26, 2017

#BladeRunner2049 was one of the most mind-blowing films I’ve seen. It’s breathtaking and transportive. Denis Villeneuve has a masterpiece.

— Jenna Busch (@JennaBusch) September 26, 2017