The Alien Trilogy. Blade Runner. 2001. 2010. Outland. Dune. The Terminator.
There has to be another.
But, whenever I think about my favourite sci-fi film, the films I grew up with, the ones that turned me on to sci-fi in the first place, all fall away when I think of Denis Villeneuve’s masterpiece.
It’s like stepping into this alternate dimension that feels as real as the world around you now.
It plucks subtle notes about love, predjudice and purpose, while windmilling the stronger chords of humanity, greed and acceptance.
Ryan Gosling’s ‘K’ is as stoic and relatable as Rick Deckard, while emoting as much charisma as Roy Batty, as we cant help but root for his lost soul replicant character to find love and purpose.
Spectacular doesnt quite do the visuals and soundtrack justice and the way Villeneuve lets each scene and moment linger when it needs to, giving it time to unfold and breathe, should be a lesson to every storyteller. And the benchmark for every filmmaker.
Above all, it does what all great sequels do - adds to the original, follows it seamlessly, but stands on its own. A self-contained story, paying tribute to its predecessor.
In short, a movie that respects its audience.
My favourite sci-fi movie? Without a doubt.