Blade Runner 2049 (15)

OK, it’s hold my hands up time – I wasn’t a huge fan of the original Blade Runner.

Whilst recognising its strengths, that it was way ahead of its time and that it’s a perfectly watchable and hugely influential slice of sci-fi, I just found the film to be slight of story and lacking in true drama.

As a result, my expectations for this 35 years later sequel weren’t as high as those who rate the first flick as a classic; but the presence of Denis Villeneuve – on one heck of a run with Enemy, Sicario and Arrival – behind the camera meant I was anticipating great things.

And boy does the French-Canadian deliver the goods with not only one of the year’s finest, most interesting movies, but that rarest of beasts – a follow-up that surpasses its predecessor.

The original film’s Hampton Fancher teams up with Logan’s Michael Green on the screenplay and the less you know going in, the better you’ll enjoy what unfolds on screen; just know that it’s made abundantly clear that robots have feelings too and that, at its heart, this is a mystery above all else.

Taking the bull by the horns right from the off is lead Ryan Gosling (K) who shines in a very challenging role – which is also his most physical to date – combining inner turmoil with a steely determination to do what’s right.

His touching relationship with Ana de Armas’