Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Blade Runner 2049 (2017), a neo-noir sci-fi masterpiece from 2017, was directed by Denis Villeneuve and written by Hampton Fancher and Michael Green. It takes place in a world approximately two decades after the downfall of the Tyrell Corporation, the original creators and manufacturers of replicants – bioengineered superhumans. The collapse of natural ecosystems prompted industrialist Niander Wallace to develop a new generation of replicants for synthetic farming, effectively saving the planet. While the earlier models are now prohibited due to their violent rebellion, they were retired (or destroyed) by blade runners. On the other hand, the newer Wallace-era replicants are programmed to obey and are deemed essential to society, with many current day blade runners being of this kind.

K, also known by his serial number KD6-3.7, is a blade runner employed by the LAPD, led by Lieutenant Joshi. During one of his recent missions, K comes across what he initially believes to be human remains. However, upon further forensic examination, they are determined to be the remains of a female replicant who had given birth during her lifetime – possibly to a human child. Fearing the potential consequences of this discovery falling into the wrong hands, Joshi urges K to eliminate all evidence of this finding – including locating and eliminating the now-grown child. As K uncovers more clues about this story and his own personal history, he begins to suspect that there may be more at stake than just completing a professional assignment. He realizes that it could put his future in jeopardy if the information falls into the wrong hands – something he must also address.