Blade Runner Blackout 2022

Review by: John Fragglepuss Evans

Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Action, Artificial Intelligence

First Released: September 2017, 15-minute short film

Summary: While the Replicant Nexus 6 expired in inventory, Tyrell Corp. pushes the series 8 into the local and Off-world market. The series 8 were built with a natural lifespan. Soon the human supremacy movements began. These angry masses used the Replicant Registration database to identify and kill Replicants.

Directed by Cowboy Bebop’s Shinichiro Watanabe, Blade Runner Blackout 2022 is one of three short films released prior to the major motion picture Blade Runner 2049. It serves as a partial buffer to show the time that has passed between the original Blade Runner film that took place in 2019 and the new Blade Runner 2049. The dystopian, apocalyptic landscape is portrayed beautifully with unique animation that leaves you wanting more. It’s amazing how a short film like this can provide an action-packed story peppered with philosophical conversation. It reminds me of Ghost in the Shell with the pressing question of what makes something human. I appreciate the showcase of Replicant abilities through the action sequences, reminding me their superhuman capabilities despite having the outward appearance of a normal person.

You might enjoy this if: You want a quick taste of the Blade Runner sci-fi universe, whetting your appetite for a full-length film, or maybe you need a reminder of Watanabe’s genius to get you watching Cowboy Bebop or Samurai Champloo again.

You might not like it if: You demand more content. 2022 goes fast and hard, but in the end it is still a 15 minute short film. I wish it was longer.

Similar Series: Ghost in the Shell, Psycho-Pass, Paprika, Elfen Lied, Plastic Memories

Note to the Viewer: I mentioned there are three Blade Runner short films that have been released leading up to Blade Runner 2049. While 2022 is animated, the other films are live action. The three are titled:

• Blackout 2022
• 2036: Nexus Dawn
• 2048: Nowhere to Run

Blade Runner Blackout 2022 Trailer

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