Early Blade Runner 2049 Reactions Call it “Breathtaking,” “Mind-Blowing,” and A “Masterpiece”

While full reviews for Blade Runner 2049 are still under embargo, it looks like the social media embargo has been lifted, and initial reactions are breathlessly enthusiastic! Pretty much everyone had high praise for Denis Villeneuve’s direction and Roger Deakins’ cinematography. There wasn’t as much mention of the characters, performances, or story, but so many critics also cited the impossibility of discussing the plot without spoilers – so it’s hard to tell the real reason those elements aren’t coming up as often.

Of course, all of this comes with the usual caveats for an advance screening. Studios tend to invite reviewers and industry names who they think might like the material, social media reactions don’t allow for the same depth of discussion as a full review, and you might not personally end up agreeing with the critical consensus.

But for a sequel that had quite a few fans feeling nervous, and such a high bar set by its predecessor(s), it’s a joy and a relief to see that the critics are this enamored.

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

.@BladeRunner 2049 is phenomenal. Visually mind-blowing sci-fi w/ noir roots shining through in a tight, twisty mystery. Best of 2017 so far pic.twitter.com/kT4ZzWWlOQ

— (((Eric Eisenberg))) (@eeisenberg) 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

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

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 Blade Runner 2049 and it was great. Visually stunning, emotionally engaging in a way I didn’t expect. And that’s all I can say

— Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) September 26, 2017

One more thing: #BladeRunner2049 is not the action-thriller-buddy-cop-sci-fi you were worried it might have been. It’s ponderous, powerful. pic.twitter.com/04k2sjRRPc

— Ali Plumb (@AliPlumb) September 26, 2017

io9’s K.M. Trendacosta seemed slightly less enthused, though she still praised the film’s visuals.

Here’s the thing about Blade Runner 2049: It’s hard to know if it’s good or bad, since what it mostly is is LONG

— K. M. Trendacosta (@k_trendacosta) September 26, 2017

Blade Runner 2049 is gorgeous, and I still don’t know if I loved it. I’m still thinking about it, though, and that’s good.

— K. M. Trendacosta (@k_trendacosta) September 26, 2017

(Via io9 and Collider; image via Entertainment Weekly)

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