Blade Runner 2049 first social-media reviews posted, Denis Villeneuve’s movie heralded as 'masterpiece'

'Blade Runner 2049 really is next-level staggering. I'm still processing how good it is'

When Blade Runner first reached cinemas, the initial reaction was rather mixed. Advertising beforehand led critics to believe the neo-noir would be another Harrison Ford adventure.

Of course, that certainly was not the case. Ridley Scott’s dystopian film was a slow-paced, stunning sci-fi unlike anything else ever seen.

With the sequel coming 35 years later, fans still don’t quite know what to expect. Even journalists interviewing the cast of Blade Runner 2049 were not offered screenings (normally, interviewers are shown a film before conducting a 20-minute interview about that film).

Despite the secrecy, some very lucky critics have finally seen the sequel, and it’s excellent news for everyone excited to see Denis Villeneuve’s take on the series.

“Blade Runner 2049 really is next-level staggering,” wrote Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian’s film critics. “I’m still processing how good it is.”

Erik Davis of Fandango added: “2049 is sci-fi masterpiece; the kind of deep-cut genre film we don't see anymore. Visually mind-blowing, absolutely fantastic.” Read the reactions below.

Unlike the original Blade Runner which has seven cuts, Villeneuve has said the ‘Director’s Cut’ will be the one showing in cinemas. The film has a runtime of 163 minutes and reaches cinemas 5 October.