Less than five minutes after “Blade Runner 2049” began, my breath was instantly taken away by its exquisite craftsmanship, haunting score, and sweeping visuals. The film pulled me into Officer K’s world, completely and entrancingly. I was no longer sitting in a snug recliner at Regal Cinema; I was flying through the skies of a dystopian Los Angeles.

Set thirty years after the first installment, Ryan Gosling stars as Officer K, a blade runner tasked with destroying all evidence that relates to a child who was born from a replicant. While on his mission, K discovers the truth about his past and unravels a mystery which has the potential to “break the world.”

On a technical level, “Blade Runner 2049” gets everything right. From the brilliant directing to the marvellous set design that can be accredited to Dennis Gassner, there is an incredible amount of thoughtfulness that went into this picture and it shows. Each member of the production team went far and beyond to originate a masterful piece of art that is highly immersive.

The soundtrack plays an instrumental role in giving breath to a futuristic world. Composed by Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch, each number featured in the trance-inducing synth score possesses an underlying intensity that evokes a sense of impending doom. These pensive melodies envelop the auditorium, creating an especially moody atmosphere.

Oscar nominated cinematographer Roger Deakins serves delicious scenery for audiences to feast on. Each shot is wondrously crafted, leaving viewers in constant mesmerization. You could pull a screen grab from virtually any scene in the film and it will look as though it is meant to be hung inside of an art gallery.

Just as the original did, “Blade Runner 2049” will inspire a generation of filmmakers. There are certainly going to be audience members who feel encouraged by this feature to pick up a camera and let their imagination run wild. Hollywood players such as cinematographers, set designers, and sound mixers will draw from this film in their future endeavors.

“Blade Runner 2049” reminded me why I fell in love with cinema so many years ago and the immense power it has to transport us. Director Denis Villanueve and company have reintroduced us to a world that is enthralling enough to get lost in.