What does the dead tree symbolize in Blade Runner 2049?

What does the dead tree symbolize in Blade Runner 2049? - Gravestones with helmets in cemetery

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This tree seems to be one of the most lasting images in my brain after leaving the theater, and I have been dying to ask this question, as I am struggling to dissect its symbolic significance.

Just to sum up what importance this tree holds, firstly, this is Rachel's grave. As such, it bears the "long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos" - the fact that Replicants can give birth. Secondly, said birth (constantly referred to as "the miracle") happened right in front of it.

There is a scene where Officer K and Mariette discuss the tree. Mariette thinks it's beautiful, while K points out it's dead. I'm trying to decipher this particular exchange, and my guess is that it shows what the tree means to each, and how differently. Mariette, a member of the Replicant Freedom Movement, clearly views it as the site of "the miracle", while K's indifference shows how he hasn't seen a miracle yet, in Sapper's haunting last words.

So that's how much I've analysed this movie, and I'm guessing there's A LOT MORE to do. So what symbolic importance does this tree bear?



Best Answer

A related image to remember is that of the flower that K finds at the bottom of the tree. It is what triggers all the story since it hints him into investigating more around the dead tree. In a world where life is hard to find and maintain, the apparition of this flower of bright colors looks like a miracle.

The dead tree is only a part of this symbol that illustrates the miracle of life and is the message of hope that fuels the story: even after things have died, life can appear again in new things.




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What does the dead tree symbolize in Blade Runner 2049? - Various military gravestones in cemetery
What does the dead tree symbolize in Blade Runner 2049? - Old tombstones in cemetery among green trees
What does the dead tree symbolize in Blade Runner 2049? - National main heroes cemetery with abundance of tombstones with military hardhats located in national cemetery with green trees in Kalibata



What was buried under the tree runner 2049?

He retires Nexus-8 replicant Sapper Morton and finds a box buried under a tree at Morton's protein farm. The box contains the remains of a female replicant who died during a cesarean section, demonstrating that replicants can reproduce biologically, previously thought impossible.

What caused the blackout in Blade Runner 2049?

According to press materials for the movie, the Blackout was an electromagnetic pulse (an EMP, if you've heard of this particular sci-fi disaster before) that swept the country. It was a huge problem, knocking out power in cities for days.

What does the horse symbolize in Blade Runner 2049?

The horse, then, is a symbol of humanity, it's just not K's. Fans of the original Blade Runner will recognize the horse in Blade Runner 2049 as a nice callback to the unicorn in the first film. A recurring symbol in the movie, the unicorn is both a symbol of Deckard's humanity and of his potential replicant status.

What does yellow mean in Blade Runner 2049?

Yellow. Image via Warner Bros. Villeneuve uses yellow as a source of information and enlightenment for our hero, K. Anytime a major plot point gets revealed or a new twist happens, yellow is in the composition somehow.



Why You Love A Hero Who Doesn't Matter | Blade Runner 2049




More answers regarding what does the dead tree symbolize in Blade Runner 2049?

Answer 2

The tree stands for family. As in a family tree.

I’m not sure there are living trees in the kipple. Animals are way to expensive. A living tree seems impossible to me, so it’s obvious to me why it’s dead. Not sure why the wood of this tree was not robbed, maybe Sapper shot all that tried.

Anyway. For me the tree is there to tell me this story is about family.

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Images: Tom Fisk, Tom Fisk, Dids, Tom Fisk