The expectations were extremely high for the sci-fi film Blade Runner 2049. The movie, set 31 years in the future, questions what really constitutes being human. It follows the story of a bioengineered human, or “replicant,” named Officer K (Ryan Gosling) whose job is to “retire” (a euphemism for execute) older versions of these replicants.

The movie does an excellent job building up suspense, allowing the viewers to form their own theories about Officer K’s involvement with the replicant freedom movement that he is investigating. In his mission, he crosses paths with former replicant Rick Deckard, who was the main character in 1982’s original Blade Runner and is played by the same actor, Harrison Ford.

The set and costume design in this movie are incredible. Scenes are set in a wide variety of locations that mix science fiction and reality. This imparts a very eerie feeling, as if the film’s locales are a disturbed image of reality. Los Angeles is portrayed as dark and rainy, an obvious contrast to the sunny L.A. we’re familiar with. Additionally, the movie introduces a holographic character, Joi, who is K’s girlfriend. Through this character, the directors tackle the implications of artificial intelligence by showing what an AI-filled future might look like. Joi is astonishingly human-like but  is simultaneously disturbing.

Although this movie was critically acclaimed, it did not do well in theaters nationwide. It earned only around $32.75 million at the box office. Perhaps this is because the original movie came out more than 30 years ago, or maybe it is just because the movie came out around the same time as the movie, It, which drew viewers away. However, this movie is definitely worth watching if you appreciate the science fiction genre and are looking for an interesting movie with an unpredictable plot.

Watch Blade Runner 2049 on Amazon or iTunes.